Author:
Publication: Pakistan Observer
(via Out There News/Afghan Islamic Press)
Date: November 20, 2001
URL: http://www.megastories.com/attack/aip/01nov20/observer011120.shtml
The Corps Commander of five southern
Afghan provinces, Mullah Akhtar Usmani, has been named the successor of
Taliban's Supreme Leader Mullah Muhammad Omar in case of latters death,
Taliban officials said.
Mullah Akhtar Usmani is considered
the closest companion of Mullah Omar after the late Mullah Mohammed Rabbani,
who died of cancer in Rawalpindi a few months ago.
Mullah Akhtar belongs to Kandahar
and had taught in the same religious school where Mullah Omar used to work
before the emergence of the Taliban movement in 1994. Mullah Omar is still
in Kandahar and leading Taliban forces. But his movement is restricted
due to security reasons. In his absence, Mullah Akhtar Usmani is leading
the Taliban forces, a Taliban official said requesting anonymity.
He said that Mullah Omar named Mullah
Akhtar after consulting the Taliban Shura that unanimously decided in his
favour, he said.
To a question, the official said
that Mulla Akhtar has not been given any official designation as yet. He
will perform his present duties. However, he will lead Taliban in the absence
of Mulla Omar, the official said.
The appointment of Mullah Akhtar
raises the chances of Mullah Omar going underground or leaving Kandahar
to some unknown destination.
