Taliban splinter group head injured in Herat clash

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Taliban’s splinter group head Mullah Manan Niyazi has been injured in a clash with rivals in western Herat province, a well-placed source said on Wednesday.

Three companions of Niyazi were killed and three others, including Niyazi, injured in the infighting in the Guzara district, a security source, wishing not to be named, said.

The source added Mulla Manan and his other injured colleagues had been evacuated to the Zonal Hospital for treatment.

A source from Mullah Manan’s group also confirmed their leader had been injured in a clash and he was under treatment.

It is worth mentioning that in 2015, Mullah Manan parted with the Taliban and started his own movement.

But Taliban’s supreme leader Mullah Habatullah’s group said that Mullah Manan’s group was incepted by the government and worked according government directions.

Both groups engaged in heavy clashes in Farah, Helmand and Herat provinces in recent years.

Nh/ma