<p>Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has made his first ever public appearance, officials announced Sunday, after he addressed supporters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.</p>.<p>Akhundzada has been the spiritual chief of the Islamist movement since 2016 but has remained a reclusive figure, even after his group seized power in Afghanistan in August.</p>.<p>His low profile has fed speculation about his role in the new Taliban government — and even rumours of his death.</p>.<p>On Saturday, he visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrassa to "speak to his brave soldiers and disciples", according to Taliban officials.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/taliban-says-failure-to-recognise-their-government-could-have-global-effects-1045804.html" target="_blank">Taliban says failure to recognise their government could have global effects</a></strong></p>.<p>There was tight security at the event and no photographs or video have emerged, but a ten-minute audio recording was shared by Taliban social media accounts.</p>.<p>Akhundzada — referred to as "Amirul Momineen" or commander of the faithful — gives a religious message.</p>.<p>The speech did not touch on politics, but sought God's blessing for the Taliban leadership.</p>.<p>He prays for the Taliban martyrs, wounded fighters and the success of the Islamic Emirate's officials in this "big test".</p>.<p>Akhundzada was appointed leader of the Taliban in a swift transition of power after a 2016 US drone strike killed his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.</p>.<p><strong>Check out latest DH videos here</strong></p>
<p>Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada has made his first ever public appearance, officials announced Sunday, after he addressed supporters in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.</p>.<p>Akhundzada has been the spiritual chief of the Islamist movement since 2016 but has remained a reclusive figure, even after his group seized power in Afghanistan in August.</p>.<p>His low profile has fed speculation about his role in the new Taliban government — and even rumours of his death.</p>.<p>On Saturday, he visited the Darul Uloom Hakimah madrassa to "speak to his brave soldiers and disciples", according to Taliban officials.</p>.<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/world-news-politics/taliban-says-failure-to-recognise-their-government-could-have-global-effects-1045804.html" target="_blank">Taliban says failure to recognise their government could have global effects</a></strong></p>.<p>There was tight security at the event and no photographs or video have emerged, but a ten-minute audio recording was shared by Taliban social media accounts.</p>.<p>Akhundzada — referred to as "Amirul Momineen" or commander of the faithful — gives a religious message.</p>.<p>The speech did not touch on politics, but sought God's blessing for the Taliban leadership.</p>.<p>He prays for the Taliban martyrs, wounded fighters and the success of the Islamic Emirate's officials in this "big test".</p>.<p>Akhundzada was appointed leader of the Taliban in a swift transition of power after a 2016 US drone strike killed his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour.</p>.<p><strong>Check out latest DH videos here</strong></p>