Mohammad Omar Jan Akhundzada, a close attache of Taliban supreme leader Mullah Habitullah Akhundzada and former bodyguard of another leader, Mullah Mansoor, was in Pakistan near the Pak-Afghan border on Saturday. The incident occurred as he led evening prayers at a mosque in Quetta on Thursday, leaving the community reeling from the loss.
Hailing from Zabul province, Akhundzada held a prominent position as chief of a seminary in Kandahar, showcasing his influential role within the Taliban network. However, the motive behind his assassination remains unclear, with no immediate claims of responsibility for the deadly attack.
Following the incident, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid took to X, urging local authorities to swiftly investigate and take decisive action against those responsible for Akhundzada’s assassination.
Reports indicate that Akhundzada was on Eid holidays, visiting family in the area when the incident occurred. The loss of a senior figure has sent shockwaves throughout the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, highlighting the precarious security situation in the region.
There are concerns that Akhundzada may have been targeted by the militant Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) operating in Pakistan, further exacerbating tensions within the already volatile region.