ADVERTISEMENT

Hibatullah Akhundzada

Supreme leader of Afghanistan

Hibatullah Akhundzada, an Afghan Islamic scholar, has led the Taliban since 2016. Known for his fatwas, he is not of a militant background. Appointed Abdul Ghani Baradar for peace talks with the U.S. Led Taliban to victory in 2021, imposing a totalitarian Islamic government criticized for human rights violations.

Related

Ilham Aliyev Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Hezbollah Khabib Nurmagomedov Sheikh Hasina Ali Khamenei MShirin Ebadi Hassan Nasrallah Mira Murati Tunde Onakoya

Timeline

Joining the Taliban

Akhundzada joined the Taliban in 1994 and became one of its early members. He played various roles within the organization, including serving as an instructor at a seminary and later becoming the head of the group's council of religious scholars.

Leadership in the Taliban's Council of Religious Scholars

After the fall of the Taliban government in 2001, Akhundzada became the head of the group's council of religious scholars. He was responsible for issuing fatwas and advising the leadership on religious matters.

Attempted assassination of Akhundzada in Quetta

During a 2012 lecture by Akhundzada, a man attempted to shoot him, but the pistol jammed. The Taliban accused the Afghan intelligence agency of the attempted shooting.

Election as Supreme Leader of the Taliban

In May 2016, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada was elected as the supreme leader of the Taliban, succeeding Akhtar Mansour. He is known for his religious leadership and issuing fatwas within the Taliban.

Death of Akhundzada's son in a suicide attack

Akhundzada's younger son Abdur Rahman Khalid died carrying out a suicide attack on an Afghan military base in Girishk in Helmand Province. Taliban officials said that Akhundzada was aware of his son's intention and approved of it.

Taliban victory in the Battle of Darzab

Under the leadership of Akhundzada, Taliban won the Battle of Darzab by defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's Khorasan branch.

Rumors of Akhundzada's Death

There were rumors about the death of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada in 2020, but the Taliban denied these claims. The uncertainty surrounding his status led to concerns about potential factionalization within the Taliban.

Call for Afghan unity by Akhundzada

In May 2021, Akhundzada called the Afghan people to unite for the development of an Islamic state once the United States forces withdraw.

Taliban offensive under Akhundzada's leadership

Forces under Akhundzada's nominal command began a general offensive seeking to achieve a final victory in the war. During his leadership, the United States troops withdrew, and the Taliban gained control of Kabul.

Akhundzada's Ultraconservative Policies

Akhundzada is seen as a religiously ultraconservative figure and ideologue within the Taliban. He is said to oppose girls' education in Afghanistan, vetoing a plan to return girls to secondary education by March 23.

End of the Timeline
Hibatullah Akhundzada

Popular

Carl Friedrich Gauss

German mathematician, astronomer, and physicist

Notre-Dame de Paris

Medieval Catholic cathedral in Paris

Irish War of Independence

Conflict between Irish nationalists and British forces

American retired Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner.

David Goggins

History of Elevators

ADVERTISEMENT

Recently Added

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

English professional football club in Brighton and Hove

Professional football club in West London

Burnley F.C. is a football club in Lancashire

A.F.C. Bournemouth

Football club with roots dating back to 1890

Gustave Courbet

French Realism painter and innovator

ADVERTISEMENT