Former Taliban chief Mullah Omar’s son allegedly assassinated by newly appointed leader

Kabul, August 4: Following the confirmation of Taliban founder Mullah Omar’s death by the Afghan government, reports have surfaced in the local media which claim that his son Mullah Yaqub, has been ssassinated by the new chief, Mullah Muhammad Akhtar Mansoor.
Yaqub was a contender for the top post of Taliban vacated by his father following his death. Splinter groups have alleged newly appointed Taliban chief, Mullah Muhammad Akhtar Mansoor of ordering the murder of Yaqub. Rebel Taliban outfit Fidai Mahaz suspected foul play in the death of both father and son. “Mullah Omar was murdered back in 2013 by supporters of Mullah Mansoor. His son has been murdered in similar manner to make way for his leadership,” said group’s spokesperson Qari Hamza. Following the death of Omar, the signs of crack are visible within the Taliban. A number of insurgents are expected to join other militant groups, including ISIS which is alarmingly spreading its reach in the region. According Syed Tayyab Agha, a senior political chief of Taliban Qatar, “The appointment is a great historical mistake.” He expressed disgust in the role played by Pakistani government in assigning the new chief of the militant group. “The new leader is from appointed outside the country and from the people who are residing outside the country,” he said referring to Mansoor’s close connection within Pakistan political circles.