Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada made no reference to recent Pakistani airstrikes, border clashes with Pakistan or civilian casualties in his Eid al-Fitr message.
The statement, released by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Monday, congratulated Afghans and Muslims worldwide on the holiday and emphasized unity, religious devotion and support for the Taliban administration.
It was Akhundzada’s first message since the start of the recent clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistan.
Despite ongoing fighting and civilian casualties reported by the United Nations, the message focused on unity and stability and did not mention the conflict.
The Taliban leader also made no reference to the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan, an issue widely criticized by the international community.
