The Taliban released an audio message allegedly proving their leader is still

A purported audio message from the leader of the Afghan Taliban militant group vehemently dismisses widespread reports that he has been killed in an internal firefight during a meeting of Taliban commanders in Pakistan.

The sixteen-minute message stated that the studies had been intentionally unfold to create divisions within the Taliban.

He said “I want to assure that there had been no incident of gunfight”.

In a two-minute audio recording sent to media by the Taliban late Saturday, Mansoor insists the reported gunfight in neighboring Pakistan never happened. “This is all enemy propaganda”, the message added.

Speculation over Mullah Mansour’s fate has intensified since the Afghan government’s announcement about him in recent days, and some officials in Kabul have said one of his deputies has already been chosen to lead the group until a successor is appointed.

“This is completely unfounded and let me tell you, and believe me, that I have not visited the Kuchlak area of Quetta for years”, Mansour said in the voice message.

“I haven’t seen Kuchlak in years”, he said, referring to an area near the Pakistani city of Quetta where the dispute was said to have taken place.

“This audio was recorded yesterday by our leader Mansour, we were present. They should stay impartial”, the man claiming to be Mansour said.

Senior sources within the Taliban on Sunday cast doubt on the authenticity of Mullah Mansour s audio message.

The appoint of Mullah Mansoor which was called an unanimous decision by the group’s council, led to controversies among the Taliban ranks.

Afghan intelligence officials announced his death in July, with the Taliban later confirming their founder had died in 2013, apparently due to illness.

Splits subsequently emerged among the insurgents, with some commanders saying Mansour’s selection had been biased.

Many were also unhappy that Omar’s death had been kept secret for two years – during which time annual Eid statements were issued in his name.

The Taliban has been struggling to contain divisions ever since Mansour, the movement’s longtime number two, was named leader after Mullah Omar’s death was confirmed in July.