When the US announced that they would pull out of Afghanistan after two decades of fighting the Taliban, everyone knew that the militant outfit would try to take control of the country it ruled for five years in the late 90s. But, no one knew that the takeover would be so easy and rapid.
Watch | Taliban fighters enjoy amusement park rides after capturing Kabul
In nine days from August 6 to August 15, the entire country had been taken over by the militant group. Kabul was taken on August 15, with chaotic scenes being witnessed from its airport. Thousands of Afghans could be seen scrambling to get into planes and flee the country. Such was the desperation to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos.
Let’s see who are the Taliban, where did they originate and who are their leaders:
Also read: Securing bases and borders: Why Russia is coddling Taliban
Who are the Taliban?
The Taliban, or “students” in the Pashto language, emerged in the early 1990s in northern Pakistan — – in Pashtun areas straddling Pakistan and Afghanistan — following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. They emerged from former Afghan resistance fighters, known as mujahideen, who fought the Soviet forces in the 1980s. It is believed that the movement first appeared in religious seminaries that preached a hardline form of Sunni Islam.
In Pics | Satellite images show chaos at Kabul airport
What was their aim?
The Taliban aimed to impose their interpretation of Islamic law in the country and remove any foreign influence. They promised to restore peace and security.
When did they come to power in Afghanistan?
The Taliban captured Kabul in 1996. Soon after they put in place strict rules. Women had to be covered from head-to-toe, girls could not study or work and had to be accompanied by either the father or husband if tarvelling. TV, music and other forms of entertainment were banned.
What led to their ouster?
Things changed from Afghanistan after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the US. More than 2,700 people were killed in the attacks carried out by 19 men flying hijacked planes. The attack was masterminded by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who operated from Afghanistan. Weeks after the 9/11 attack, US and allied forces attacked Afghanistan and have been in the country since. Taliban had been waging an insurgent battle against the allied forces.
How did they return to power?
US President Joe Biden announced the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan and the pull out will be completed by September 11. This encouraged the Taliban to wage a battle for return. The government forces, on whose training billions of dollars were spent, gave in almost without any resistance. And within nine days, the tAliban took control of the entire country.
Who are their leaders?
Mullah Mohammed Omar, First Amir-al-Mumminin
Mullah Mohammed Omar was an Afghan mujahid commander who led the Taliban in its early days. He is said to be the one who ordered the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan in 2001. Omar died on April 23, 2013 of tuberculosis. His death was kept under wraps by the Taliban for two years.
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, Second Amir-al-Mumminin
Omar was succeeded by Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour. He was killed on May 21, 2016, when a US drone struck him after crossing into Pakistan from Iran.
Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, current Amir-al-Mumminin
He was succeeded in 2016 by the current leader, Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, a senior religious cleric from the Taliban’s founding generation.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Amir’s political deputy
Another important current leader is Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban co-founder. Baradar heads the group’s political committee.
Mullah Mohammed Yaqoob, Amir’s deputy
He is the military operational commander and the son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar.
Sirajuddin Haqqani, Amir’s deputy
He heads the Haqqani network, an Afghan insurgent group that fought the US-led NATO forces and the government of Afghanistan.
Leadership Council, Rahbari Shura
This comprises 26 members, who are the highest advisory and decision-making authority
Commissions
Taliban’s cabinet of 17 ministers — including on military, intelligence, economic etc — that oversees various departments
