RASC News Agency: Abbas Stanikzai, the Taliban’s Deputy Foreign Minister, has reportedly fled Afghanistan after Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the group’s supreme leader, issued a directive for his arrest and imposed a travel ban. According to insider accounts, the order was prompted by Stanikzai’s recent criticisms of Mullah Hibatullah’s leadership, particularly his unilateral decision to ban girls from receiving an education. Despite the restrictions placed on him, Stanikzai managed to leave the country, reportedly with the assistance of Taliban Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, who facilitated his urgent travel to Dubai.
A source in Kabul claims that Mullah Hibatullah instructed Abdul Haq Wasiq, the Taliban’s intelligence chief, to arrest Stanikzai and ensure his travel restrictions were enforced. However, Wasiq allegedly informed Mullah Yaqoob, a key ally of Stanikzai within the Taliban’s ranks, about the directive. Upon learning of the situation, Mullah Yaqoob is said to have advised Stanikzai to immediately leave Afghanistan to avoid arrest. The Taliban leadership has yet to issue an official statement regarding these claims. Stanikzai’s recent public criticism of Mullah Hibatullah’s policies, particularly the education ban for girls, has triggered significant backlash within the group. In a previous instance, Stanikzai openly referred to the ban as a personal decision of Mullah Hibatullah, further fueling internal tensions.
A source close to the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports of discord between Stanikzai and Mullah Hibatullah, suggesting that Stanikzai had planned to release a video addressing the situation but was unable to do so due to health issues. In recent months, other prominent Taliban figures, including Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abbas Stanikzai, have publicly criticized Mullah Hibatullah’s policies, highlighting growing divisions within the group.
