Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada

8am: This order is seen as another step toward consolidating power in Akhundzada’s hands in Kandahar. Many observers view it as an indication of growing distrust between Akhundzada and senior Taliban officials in Kabul. Previously, some Taliban leaders, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, have openly defied Akhundzada’s bans on photography and filming, disregarding their “Amir’s” directives. Click here to read more (external link).