With the ongoing controversy over the timing of the death of Afghan Taliban emir Mullah Omar, reports have surfaced that veteran jihadist leader Jalaluddin Haqqani died of an illness in December 2014. The Taliban issued an official statement on Voice of Jihad denying the reports of Jalaluddin’s death. The statement is reproduced in full, below.
Jalaluddin is a powerful and influential member of the Taliban hierarchy. He serves on the Taliban’s executive council, which is known as the Quetta Shura. He is closely allied with al Qaeda and also has deep links with Pakistan’s Inter-services Intelligence Directorate.
Jalaludin’s son, Siraj, has been named as one of two deputies to Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour, the new leader of the Taliban.
Remarks of spokesman of Islamic Emirate regarding rumors about death of a Jihadi and Scholarly personality, Al-Haj Mawlawi Jalaluddin Haqqani
Some media outlets spread reports yesterday about the death of a distinguished Jihadi personality of our country, the esteemed Al-Haj Mawlawi Sahib Jalaluddin Haqqani may Allah safeguard him.
This claim has no bases. Haqqani Sahib may Allah safeguard him was ill before but all praise is due to Allah, he has been blessed with good health for a prolonged period now and has no troubles currently.
Spokesman of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
