New Afghan Taliban leader issued no audio message: spokesman
Two Taliban commanders had provided the audio to reporters.
KABUL (Reuters) - An audio recording purported by Afghan Taliban sources to be the insurgents’ new leader vowing not to join peace talks circulated on Wednesday, but was later disavowed by the movement’s official spokesman.
Reached by telephone, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Taliban were launching an investigation to learn who was distributing the recording, in which the person identified as new leader Haibatullah Akhundzada vowed to not to negotiate.
It was released days after a U.S. drone killed Akhundzada’s predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, in Pakistan.
Two Taliban commanders had provided the audio to reporters late on Wednesday, saying it was an official statement.
Also Read: Afghan Taliban confirm Mullah Mansour s death, appoint new chief
In the audio message released in Pushto, Haibatullah is saying, "Taliban will never bow their heads and will not agree to peace talks."
Haibatullah added, "People thought we will lay down our arms after Mullah Mansour s death, but we will continue fighting till the end."
One of the commanders said he had received the recording directly from Mujahid and when told the spokesman had denied distributing it, reiterated his position.
