Taliban's reclusive supreme leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, made a rare public appearance in Afghanistan’s Kandahar, Reuters reported quoting Taliban sources. The group denied widespread rumours of his death.
Akhundzada, known as the leader of the faithful, had not been seen in public even after the Taliban's August takeover of the country, giving rise to speculation.
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A senior Taliban leader who was present with Akhundzada during the appearance told Reuters the supreme leader had visited Jamia Darul Aloom Hakimia, a religious school in Kandahar on Saturday.
As the Taliban unveiled its interim government in September after US-led forces withdrew, the mysterious Akhundzada retained the role he has held since 2016 of the supreme leader.
Though some officials say that Akhundzada has made unpublicized public appearances before, this was the first confirmed appearance of a man who has long kept a low public profile.