New Taliban head vows to follow Mullah Omar in first audio message

KABUL (Web Desk) – The new supreme leader of Afghan Taliban Mullah Akhtar Mansur in his first audio message on Saturday vowed to lead the resistance movement in light of policies laid down by deceased chief Mullah Omar.

According to details Taliban chief has also appointed Shaikh Rahmat Ullah and Siraj-ud-Din Haqqani as his deputies in 33 minutes long statement.

Mansur, who became the supreme leader after death of Mullah Omar, urged Taliban groups to stay united saying the split among fighters would only benefit their enemies. The enemy has been using every tactic against us, the statement added.

Mullah went on to say “we will succeed by winning the hearts of local Afghan people”. He said the enforcement of shariah laws is our ultimate success and no peace talks are possible with Afghan government until this demand is not met.

Earlier Taliban spokesperson confirmed the appointment of Mullah Akhtar Mansur as successor of Mullah Omar after media reports suggested that he had died in 2013.

Mansur enjoys the support of majority Taliban factions and is believed to be very strong proponent of peace dialogue with Afghan government. However the statement reflects that it might not be as easy as it looks to continue the peace dialogue with new Taliban chief.