After an eight-week-long battle, the insurgent group Taliban finally takes control of Afghanistan. On Monday Taliban declared from the presidential palace that the war is over and that Afghanistan will now be known as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
Over 60 nations released a joint statement on Sunday asking all parties to respect and facilitate, the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country.
The sudden shift in the political climate in the country resulted in widespread panic. Hundreds rushed to Kabul airport to fly out of the country. Flights were stalled as the Afghan airspace in Kabul airport was closed by the Taliban members.
In a tweet on Sunday, Taliban spokesperson, Mohammed Naeem ensured that diplomats and foreign citizens will be safe.
Here is a look at the top officials of the Taliban:
1. Haibatullah Akhundzada – Supreme Leader
Known as “the emir of the faithful”, Akhundzada is the current chief of the Taliban. He was appointed in the position in 2016 following the death of Mullah Mansour Akhtar, then chief. He unified many Taliban factions, whose unity was disrupted briefly during a major power struggle between the Afghan government and the outfit.
2. Abdul Ghani Baradar – Political head
The co-founder of Taliban, along with Mullah Omar, is the political chief of Taliban and the most known face of the outfit. He was arrested by Pakistan in 2010 but was freed after three years in jail by the US. He is one of the key players in the negotiation with the US.
3. Sirajuddin Haqqani: Deputy leader
The chief of the US most feared terror group, the Haqqani network, he is also the deputy leader of the Taliban. He is the son of anti-Soviet jihad commander Jalaluddin Haqqani. Haqqani network is one of the most dangerous factions of the Taliban who is responsible for many high-profile assassinations and kidnappings.
4. Rahbari Shura – Council of leaders
Also known as Quetta Shura, Rahburi Shura is one of the top officials of the Taliban who has a final say in the internal matters of the group. According to India Today, he is largely responsible for key political and military decisions taken by the Taliban. He also oversees various administrative organs under the Taliban.
5. Mullah Yaqoob – Next inline
Deemed to be the next supreme leader of the Taliban, Yaqoob is the son of Taliban founder, Mullah Omar. Yaqoob in 2016 suggested that he lacks the battle experience to lead the terror outfit. Yaqoob is one of the youngest officials of the Taliban.
(With inputs from India Today)