Afghan Taliban splinter group names Mullah Rasool as leader

A breakaway Afghan Taliban faction has appointed its own leader, underlining deep divisions in the group following the death of founder Mullah Omar, the BBC reported on Thursday.

Mullah Mohammad Rasool was chosen to lead the splinter group at a meeting of fighters in western Farah province.

The dissidents say new Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour hijacked the movement because of personal greed.

He was appointed in August after the Taliban admitted that Mullah Omar had been dead for two years.

A video of the Farah meeting showed Mullah Rasool wearing glasses and a black turban and giving speech to dozens of his heavily-armed followers.

He will have four deputies - Abdul Manan Niazi, Mansoor Dadullah and Shir Mohammad Akhundzada were appointed to deputise on military affairs and Mullah Baz Mohammad Haris was appointed his deputy for political affairs.

Source: MENA