Taliban Commander In Northern Afghanistan Criticises Group's Misuse Of Jihad

In an audio recording obtained by Afghanistan International, a Taliban commander in Sar-e Pul province has strongly criticised the behaviour and extravagance of the group's leaders, including the misappropriation of people's assets.

He expressed that the jihad was not waged for Taliban commanders to appropriate lands and for fighters to commit acts of sexual violence against women.

The commander described certain members of the Taliban as "oppressors" and "sinners," accusing them of engaging in sexual assault and theft. He revealed that some offenders have been released after bribing their way out, undermining the group's integrity.

He also declared, "People have the right to take up arms and rise up against the Taliban." The audio highlights issues like forced migrations, noting that residents of Jowzjan and Balkh provinces have been compelled to flee to neighbouring countries due to the Taliban's oppressive actions.

Previous reports have surfaced of sexual assaults by Taliban fighters and land seizures, contributing to a public perception of widespread corruption within the Taliban administration.

Despite calls from the Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture for members to register and disclose their assets, no asset declaration forms have been publicly released by the Asset Registration and Verification Agency.