Taliban chief consolidating power for spring battle

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan:  By subduing dissidents and eliminating rivals, Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour is rapidly consolidating his authority over the fractious Afghan insurgent movement as it prepares for decisive battles in its upcoming spring offensive.

Mansour was declared Taliban leader last summer after the announcement of long term chief Mullah Omar's death, but many top commanders refused to pledge their loyalty alleging that he rigged the hastily organised selection process.

Despite the infighting the group saw a new resurgence under the firebrand supremo last year with striking military victories.

Analysts predict that this year's offensive expected to start this month will be on a bigger scale.

Ahead of the offensive, Mansour has been rooting out the last vestiges of opposition to his leadership buying the support of rebellious commanders quashing renegade groups and luring
dissidents with leadership positions, militant sources say.

The Taliban recently announced that two of the most influential dissenters   Mullah Abdul Manan, a brother of Mullah Omar and the deceased leader’s son Mullah Mohammad Yaqoub will be given posts in the Shura, the Taliban’s leadership council.  Last week another vocal critic Mullah Qayum Zakir pledged his loyalty to Mansour.