KANDAHAR, Oct 31: Taliban Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmed Mutawakil on Wednesday dismissed speculation of a schism in the ruling Islamic militia, saying it was united in the face of its enemies.

Mutawakil said Afghanistan was “passing through a crucial phase” but the militia was determined to defend itself from US-led attack.

Speaking to reporters in the southern Taliban bastion of Kandahar, the foreign minister rejected speculation that he might have been at the centre of a breakaway movement in the secretive Islamic regime.

“There is no split in the Taliban. This is the claim of our opponents.

The decisions of our government are in the hands of our people,” he said.

“Afghanistan is passing through a crucial phase. We are compelled to defend ourselves because nobody will give us protection.”—AFP