Mullah Baradar Prays for Taliban Dead in Dasht-e-Leili Instead of Aiding Earthquake Victims in Kunar

The Taliban’s Office of Economic Affairs announced that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar traveled to Dasht-e-Leili in Jowzjan province to pray for Taliban fighters who were killed in the area. This visit coincided with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, which claimed hundreds of lives and left survivors in desperate need of immediate assistance.

In a statement released by the Office of Economic Affairs, Mullah Baradar described the casualties in Dasht-e-Leili as “unforgettable.” Dasht-e-Leili gained notoriety due to intense clashes between the Taliban and Northern Alliance forces in past decades. It is reported that a number of Taliban fighters were killed in this region.

However, the exact number of casualties remains unclear. Some reports suggest that the Taliban themselves killed a number of prisoners of war in Dasht-e-Leili during the summer of 1998. To date, no independent or credible investigation has been conducted into these events.

Mullah Baradar’s visit to Dasht-e-Leili has drawn criticism as earthquake survivors in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces continue to face dire conditions. Many families are still living in tents, struggling with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

The earthquake, which struck two days ago, has left hundreds dead and injured, with rescue and relief efforts hampered by logistical challenges and a lack of resources. The Taliban’s focus on commemorating their fallen fighters rather than addressing the urgent needs of earthquake victims has sparked outrage among Afghans and international observers.