ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistani Taliban are on the verge of collapse, as their six top
commanders have announced allegiance to the ISIS, a video released on
Tuesday revealed.
The announcement came at a time when the terror conglomerate has been experiencing divisions in its ranks.
"I am confirming my allegiance to (ISIS chief) Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi and would abide by all his decisions. Whatever is the situation, I will follow and obey his every instruction," Taliban spokesman Shaidullah Shahid said.
"This allegiance is neither from the Taliban or its leader Mullah Fazlullah. This is only from me and five other leaders," said Shahid. "I appeal to al-Baghdadi to accept my allegiance," Shahid said. Fazlullah has supported ISIS but has not declared his allegiance, which lies with Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
The fresh defection is a serious setback for the Taliban. It had earlier lost tribal Mehsud faction, which had provided some of toughest foot soldiers and major monetary support to the organization before the military offensive in North Waziristan.
The announcement came at a time when the terror conglomerate has been experiencing divisions in its ranks.
"I am confirming my allegiance to (ISIS chief) Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi and would abide by all his decisions. Whatever is the situation, I will follow and obey his every instruction," Taliban spokesman Shaidullah Shahid said.
"This allegiance is neither from the Taliban or its leader Mullah Fazlullah. This is only from me and five other leaders," said Shahid. "I appeal to al-Baghdadi to accept my allegiance," Shahid said. Fazlullah has supported ISIS but has not declared his allegiance, which lies with Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar.
The fresh defection is a serious setback for the Taliban. It had earlier lost tribal Mehsud faction, which had provided some of toughest foot soldiers and major monetary support to the organization before the military offensive in North Waziristan.
