Afghan Taliban may split into two factions

An Afghan Taliban spokesperson has said that the group may split into two factions due to the dispute over the next leader following former chief Mullah Omar's death.

According to the Express Tribune, the split could disrupt reconciliation talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban, opening the way for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to expand its foothold in the country.

The dispute occurred after Afghan intelligence leaked news last month that the insurgency's reclusive founder had been dead for more than two years. Mullah Mansour was chosen as the new leader in a hastily convened meeting.