Taliban Leader Orders Investigation Into ISIS Presence In Kandahar

Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, in an audio message attributed to him, has instructed his security commanders in Kandahar to seriously investigate the presence of ISIS-Khorasan in the region.

Akhundzada also directed that he should be informed if any Taliban officials interfere with the duties of the security commanders.

The Pashto section of Afghanistan International reported on Sunday that they had obtained this audio message in which the Taliban leader was speaking to the commanders via a radio communication device.

A reliable source confirmed that Mullah Hibatullah spoke with Taliban security commanders from various districts, security organisations, and some members of the group's military in Kandahar.

The source further added that Mullah Hibatullah instructed all officials to closely monitor ISIS activities in their areas and conduct security assessments regarding potential threats.

Although the Taliban has not yet commented on Mullah Hibatullah's communication with Kandahar security officials, this is the first time the leader has been known to communicate with security officials through an audio message that has been publicly released.

Following an ISIS suicide attack outside a Kabul Bank branch in Kandahar on March 21 this year, which killed at least 43 people and injured 45 others, the Taliban government has increased security measures in Kandahar. Local sources also report an increase in security checkpoints throughout the city.