The Taliban are increasing security measures amid concerns that ISIS may target their reclusive leader during his anticipated visit to a mosque in Kandahar for Eid prayers, according to reports from local media.
Hibatullah Akhundzada, an Islamic scholar who rarely makes public appearances, seldom ventures beyond the Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
Akhundzada and his inner circle have played a key role in enforcing stringent restrictions on women and girls, prompting widespread international condemnation and further isolating the Taliban on the global stage. Recent images and footage from Kandahar depict Taliban fighters erecting a brick barrier around a mosque ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday, marking the conclusion of Ramadan.
On Friday, reports surfaced indicating that ISIS, in opposition to the Taliban, was contemplating an assault on Afghan regime leaders.
