Afghan Taliban military council's chief resigns over 'poor health': Spokesperson

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban military chief, Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir, has resigned over “poor health”. However, he will still remain a member of the top decision-making council.

Mullah Zakir, a former Guantanamo prisoner, held a top military position during the Taliban 1996-2001 government.

Following his release from Guantanamo, he rejoined the Taliban and was appointed as head of the military council in view of his previous role as the military head of the movement.

"Chief of the Military Commission of the Islamic Emirate, honourable Mullah Abdul Qayyum Zakir, has resigned due to his illness," the Taliban said.

Taliban sources told The Express Tribune on Saturday that a new military chief has been appointed but the name will not be disclosed for some time.

"A new military chief had already been appointed, and Mullah Zakir and other top commanders are following his instructions," a Taliban leader said.

According to a Taliban statement which has also been posted on their website, Mullah Zakir’s resignation has been accepted by the leadership.

The Taliban dispelled the impression that Zakir had quit the top position because of differences over the peace talks. However, a Taliban leader told The Express Tribune that some military commanders "had not been happy" due to his "extremist approach.”

"This had deceased some of Zakir's influence among the military commanders," he said.

Mullah Zakir had held the top military position in the Taliban even in the presence of other senior leaders including Mullah Dadullah, Mullah Baradar Akhund, Mullah Obaidullah, and Mullah Fazil Akhund. He had also led the Taliban in the north and won high praise and name within them.