Taliban supreme leader makes first public appearanceTaliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada appeared in public for the first time since the group took power in AfghanistanKABUL - Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada addressed supporters in the southern city of Kandahar, officials announced Sunday, his first public appearance since taking control of the group in 2016. His low profile has fed speculation about his role in the new Taliban government -- and even rumours of his death. On Saturday, he visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrassa to "speak to his brave soldiers and disciples", according to Taliban officials. He prays for the Taliban martyrs, wounded fighters and the success of the Islamic Emirate's officials in this "big test". After being appointed leader, Akhundzada secured the backing of Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, who showered the cleric with praise -- calling him "the emir of the faithful".
