Opposition Using Extensive Resources To Sow Discord, Says Taliban’s Defence Minister

Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban's Defence Minister, claimed that their opponents are utilising extensive resources to create distrust within the group.

He emphasised on the need to eliminate distrust and disunity from within the Taliban.

Mujahid made these remarks on Tuesday at a graduation ceremony for students of the Technical and Vocational Education Administration in Kabul.

Mujahid and Taliban’s Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani are senior figures within the Taliban who reportedly have disagreements with other officials over the group's policies. Despite these reports, they have stressed on the importance of unity and obedience to Mullah Hibatullah, the Taliban leader.

Unity and obedience are prominent themes in the speeches of the group's leader. In late June, Mullah Hibatullah expressed concern over internal differences within the Taliban in an audio message during Eid.

The Taliban leader stated that he was willing to step down from the leadership if it would resolve the group's disputes.

Earlier, the US-based Brookings Institution reported serious disagreements among Taliban leaders regarding the group's policies.

In that report, Mullah Hibatullah was described as an uncompromising and dogmatic figure, while Mullah Yaqoob was portrayed as a pragmatic personality who would be easier for the West to work with.

Previously, the International Research Council for Religious Affairs Pakistan reported in June that the Taliban have ideological, tribal, regional, and organisational differences among themselves, indicating that they are not a united group.