The group said Mullah Mansoor’s appointment had been made with the consent of all leaders but Mullah Abdul Manan – Omar’s brother – opposed the decision in an audio interview.
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Agha’s statement, which was confirmed by a current and a former member of the Taliban, appeared to reflect growing anger at Pakistan, which has long had influence over the group and played a key role in bringing them to the first round of official peace talks last month.
Following the announcement of Mullah’s Omar’s demise, a scheduled round of peace negotiations between the Taliban and the Afghan government was postponed, allegedly at the request of the Taliban.
The US is presenting the Taliban split as an “opportunity” for peace talks, because it may disillusion some of the membership.
“Now, as the leader is appointed outside the country and from the people who are residing outside the country is also considered as a great historical mistake”, he said in a statement. He urged Taliban members living overseas to return to Afghanistan and “preserve their independence”, an apparent reference to Pakistan, where the Taliban’s leadership has long been based.
Ruttig, who met Mansour in 2000 when he was serving as aviation minister in the Taliban government, said he had the impression of an intelligent man with a sharp mind who was ready to talk at much more length than some of his colleagues. Taliban officials told The Express Tribune that Tayyeb Agha had never been on good terms with Mullah Mansoor even when Mullah Omar was alive. Muzhda said at least one other member of the office had also resigned.
US General John Campbell, the top American commander in Afghanistan, said disclosure of Omar’s death piled more pressure on the Taliban, which he added was already fracturing and faced growing competition from other militant groups such as Islamic State. That comes after Mullah Omar’s son, Yacoub, additionally warned Mansoor did not have the help of the broader Taliban.The brand new chief of the Taliban is seen as near Pakistan, which is believed to have sheltered and supported the insurgents by way of the struggle, now in its 14th yr. This may increasingly put him able to revive the peace talks.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, rejected the news of differences within the group and tweeted on Tuesday western media spread propaganda.
Small but increasing numbers of fighters are exchanging the white flag of the Taliban for the black insignia of the more brutal Islamic State, and the two groups have clashed.
The Afghan government has banned any public mourning for Mullah Omar, saying late Monday that it would cause “anguish and humiliation” for those who have lost loved ones in the war with the Taliban.
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A statement from the National Directorate of Security said public gatherings to commemorate Mullah Omar’s death would be a “legitimate military target”.
