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Internal Divisions Emerge Within the Taliban Leadership in Afghanistan

Published January 16, 2026, 19:22
Internal Divisions Emerge Within the Taliban Leadership in Afghanistan

An investigation by the BBC reveals internal disagreements and two opposing camps within the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. The "Kandahar camp," loyal to supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, promotes a strict theocratic model, while the "Kabul camp," comprised of ministers and security officials, seeks openness to the outside world and economic recovery. The conflict peaked with Akhundzada's decision for a widespread internet blackout, which was ultimately reversed after intervention from the "Kabul camp." Despite public assurances of unity, tensions remain, with disagreements primarily concerning the role of the internet and the direction of the country.