KABUL – With the US having ended its presence in Afghanistan, the Taliban are now gearing up to form their government with an announcement expected in the next few days.
According to reports on social media, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder and the senior deputy leader of the Taliban, is set to be appointed as Foreign Minister of the new government.
Although he serves under Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, Baradar is regarded as the de facto leader.
Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the eldest son of the group’s founder Mullah Omar, is to be made Defence Minister. Yaqoob leads the Taliban’s military operations in Afghanistan and serves as Akhundzada’s deputy.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, the son of Jalaluddin Haqqani, founder of the Haqqani network, is to be made Interior Minister. Sirajuddin Haqqani, who heads the network after the death of his father, is also known as Khalifa Haqqani. He is a globally designated terrorist.
According to reports, the Taliban have completed their consultations on the formation of a new government.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was in Kandahar for holding consultations, has moved to Kabul, and is preparing to announce the new government.
