Signs of a divide in the Taliban emerged Sunday when the apparent brother of former leader Mullah Mohammad Omar said he and others have yet to swear allegiance to the new head of the group.
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor was named as the new leader following reports last week that Omar had died in 2013.
In an audio clip sent to local media on Sunday, Mullah Abdul Manan, who identified himself as Omar’s brother, said disagreements among members of the Islamic Emirate, as the group refers to itself, have kept many from swearing allegiance to Mansoor.
"Neither have we sworn allegiance to any one person, nor are we ready to pledge allegiance due to differences.