In order to build on 2016’s gains in the war and to establish a permanent presence, agencies reported that Afghan Taliban leaders might have moved back to Afghanistan after spending over a decade in Pakistan.
Agencies quote Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid stating the Taliban leadership moved to Afghanistan some months ago. The Taliban spokesman did not reveal the exact location of the move.
A spokesman from Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s office said there was no confirmation of the move and the government still believed the Taliban were operating in safe havens outside Afghanistan.
Senior Taliban commander, Asad Afghan told agencies the move would help consolidate the Taliban’s dominant position when peace talks resumed.
