KABUL: Taliban leader Maulawi Haibatullah
Akhundzada Saturday called on the US to end its "occupation" of
Afghanistan in his first message since been appointed the militant group’s
supreme leader in May. "Admit the realities instead of useless use of
force and muscle show and put an end to the occupation," Taliban leader said
in a speech on the eve of Eid-al-Fitr, the Muslim festival marking the end of
the fasting month of Ramadan. "Our message to the American invaders and
her allies is this: the Afghan Muslim people neither fear from your force nor
your stratagem. They consider martyrdom in confrontation with you as a
cherished goal of their life," Taliban leader said. "You will not be
able to frustrate the determination and our struggle, by your resorting to
extending the time of presence of your soldiers or of increasing military rule
of engagement in Afghanistan," Taliban leader said. "You are facing
up not a group or faction but a nation. You are not going to be a winner,"
Akhundzada added. -- Agencies.