Secluded in his stronghold in southern Afghanistan, reclusive Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is the cornerstone of the movement that has ruled the country unchallenged since ...

Akhundzada has made only a handful of public appearances since inheriting the leadership of the Taliban in May 2016 -- days after his predecessor was killed in a US drone strike in Pakistan.

Secluded in his stronghold in southern Afghanistan, reclusive Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is the cornerstone of the movement that has ruled the country unchallenged since reclaiming ...