Fresh tensions have erupted in the Taliban ranks as reports confirm that HebatUllah fears coup from within his inner circle. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, has gone into hiding due to fears of assassination. The revelation came from Ahmad Zia Saraj, the former head of Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS).
Saraj told Afghanistan International that HebatUllah fears coup plans involving Haqqani and other top Taliban leaders. He also claimed that foreign intelligence agencies might be backing the suspected conspiracy. As a result, Akhundzada has taken drastic steps to eliminate any threat to his leadership.
To tighten his grip, HebatUllah fears coup so deeply that he stripped Haqqani of his powers. Those powers were handed over to Deputy Interior Minister Ibrahim Sadr. Likewise, Defence Minister Mullah Yaqub was removed from key decision-making. His responsibilities are now held by Qayyum Zakir, a loyalist of Akhundzada.
Saraj further revealed that Akhundzada has placed his trusted men in powerful positions across Kabul. He even imposed foreign travel bans on all Taliban leaders unless they receive personal approval. This move reflects how seriously HebatUllah fears coup attempts.
According to intelligence sources, Haqqani left Saudi Arabia and moved to Khost. Later, he crossed into Pakistan and now moves between Khost and North Waziristan. His fear for his life has grown stronger after the changes made by Akhundzada.
To add more pressure, Akhundzada removed the police chief of Khost, who is the brother of Haqqani’s deputy, Nabi Omari. This decision added fuel to the ongoing power conflict, highlighting once again how much HebatUllah fears coup and internal betrayal.
Reports also suggest that Taliban special forces have been moved from Kandahar to Kabul. One unit is now guarding Kabul airport. These actions clearly show the intensity of the internal rift within the Taliban leadership.
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has demanded arrest warrants for Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani. International pressure has further complicated Taliban politics.
Some senior Taliban officials, including Abbas Stanekzai, have spoken against Akhundzada’s hardline policies. They believe his leadership is blocking international recognition. Discontent is growing inside the Taliban, but HebatUllah fears coup so strongly that he continues sidelining rivals and centralizing control.
Despite criticism and isolation, Akhundzada remains firm. He sees any internal challenge as a threat and continues to tighten his rule, fearing betrayal from those once close to him.
