ISLAMABAD, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The Pakistani Taliban released a video Monday showing its support of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, its new leader.
Mansoor assumed the position after the announcement of the death of Taliban founder and leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, last week. The Taliban generally does not provide videos of their leadership gatherings, but likely sought to dispel rumors of internal divisions within the group over Mansoor's elevation. It depicts Taliban leaders pledging allegiance to Mansoor.
It does not indicate where the meeting was held, and while several dozen Taliban members are visible, Mansoor is not identified.
Mansoor's first act as leader was a 33-minute audio address Saturday in which he advised unity among his followers. "We should all work to preserve unity, division in our ranks will only please our enemies, and cause further problems for us," he said. "Our goal and slogan is to implement sharia (law) and an Islamic system, and our jihad will continue until this is done."
The Afghan government and the Taliban began peace talks last month. A second round, in Pakistan, was postponed Friday after the announcement of Omar's death.
