Afghanistan: Taliban authorities announce the appointment new governors and security police chiefs across the country Nov. 7

Event

Taliban authorities announced the appointment of senior provincial and security leaders across Afghanistan Nov. 7. The list includes governors for 17 provinces, including Baghlan, Balkh, and Kunduz. The Taliban also appointed senior security commanders in 10 provinces. In Kabul, officials appointed Qari Baryal as governor, Mufti Mohammad Idris as deputy governor, and Wali Jan Hamza as police chief.

Context

The appointments are the first since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan Aug. 15 and signal that the group is taking steps to entrench their control of the country and improve security. Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) has carried out several mass casualty attacks, killing and injuring hundreds of people, including the previous Kabul military chief Nov. 2. The Taliban vowed to improve security conditions after the attack.

The announcements also reflect the Taliban's growing concern about its internal organization. Always fractured, the group has come under fire for clashes and alleged killings that have occurred without central leadership approval. The appointments came days after the Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada warned of alleged infiltrators within the group and encouraged new leaders to eradicate bad actors under their charge. Akhundzada also warned that the new appointees would be held accountable for the security outcomes in their areas, highlighting the importance Taliban leaders are placing on controlling the country. Renewed clashes between the Taliban and resistance fighters may occur in the coming days and weeks following the announcement.