KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has strongly criticized the United States over the situation in Gaza, calling America the “greatest oppressor” and the “killer of Palestinian Muslims.”
During his Eid al-Adha speech in Kandahar on Saturday, Akhundzada said “the infidels” who once occupied Afghanistan are now “occupying” Palestine.
“This oppressive America, which committed atrocities in Afghanistan, is now committing oppression in Palestine,” Akhundzada said. “Today, people take pride in aligning with America, but the greatest oppressor is America,” he added.
The Taliban leader condemned the U.S. for vetoing Gaza ceasefire resolutions at the UN Security Council. He also criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a travel ban on Afghans entering the country.
In his speech, Akhundzada again defended the Taliban’s restrictive policies on women and girls, claiming the group has given them dignity. He accused the U.S. of “killing and burning” women and children.
Akhundzada also said the world is once again trying to impose democracy on Afghanistan but stressed that the Taliban will not allow it to happen.
“We have experienced that democracy is not the way to save humanity or make it succeed. Islam and Sharia are the true paths to success,” he said.
The Taliban leader urged all citizens to deepen their understanding of Islam and called on religious scholars to set aside their disputes and focus on teaching the religion.
In the final part of his speech, he urged Afghans to obey and respect Taliban authorities.
Akhundzada, a hardline cleric from the Pashtun Noorzai tribe, has led the Taliban since 2016. He strengthened his control after the group’s return to power in August 2021. Although he does not appear in public, he holds significant authority over the Taliban’s political, military, judicial, and religious affairs.
