Mullah Omar’s family declares allegiance to Akhtar Mansoor

Son and brother of Mullah Omar had earlier refused to accept leadership of Afghan Taliban's new chief

ISLAMABAD: The family of former Afghan Taliban supremo Mullah Omar declared on Tuesday allegiance to the group's new chief Mullah Akhtar Mansoor.

According to a statement available with The Express Tribune, the family announced their allegiance in a meeting, and vowed to follow instructions of the new Taliban chief.

“Al-haj Mullah Abdul Manan, the brother of the honorable late Amirul Momineen (commander of faithful), and son of the late Amirul Momineen have declared allegiance to Mullah Akhtar Mansoor on behalf of their family," said the statement.

Read: Rare video of allegiance pledge released

Mullah Yaqoob and Mullah Abdul Manan, son and brother of Mullah Omar respectively, had earlier refused to accept Mansoor's leadership, who was elected as the group's new head following the confirmation of Mullah Omar's death in late July.

Both were eyeing to head the Afghan Taliban; however, according to sources, their views changed after reconciliatory efforts by Mansoor.

Taliban dissidents were also trying to convince Manan to lead them but to no avail.

According to a former Taliban minister and member of the powerful leadership council, Mansoor has “offered” Manan a role in the group.