Haibatullah Akhundzada

Juma Khan Fateh, a Tajik Taliban commander in Badakhshan province, stands with his fighters in an undated image. He was later arrested after failed talks with Taliban officials over control of gold and lapis lazuli mines. (Afghanistan International)

Ethnic rifts deepen among Afghan Taliban as talks with dissident commander fail

A Tajik commander's arrest after refusing to surrender gold and lapis lazuli mines reveals tensions between Kandahar's Pashtun-dominated Taliban leadership and non-Pashtun fighters over resources and political influence.

July 12, 2026

$Leaked audio exposes Taliban fractures as Akhundzada tightens grip on power$

Leaked audio exposes Taliban fractures as Akhundzada tightens grip on power

Leaked audio attributed to Haibatullah Akhundzada reveals Taliban leadership divisions, fears of collapse, and power centralization in Kandahar, marked by reshuffles sidelining rivals, technocrats, and worsening public discontent

January 15, 2026