In open letter, Taliban urges IS to 'keep its nose out of Afghanistan'

The Afghan Taliban, in an open letter to the Islamic State (IS), has urged its self-styled caliph, Abu Bakar Al Baghdadi, to keep his ultra-extremist group out of Afghanistan.

The letter, signed by the acting chief of the Taliban's central council, Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansoor, said that there no need for launching a 'parallel front' while the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan already existed, reported The Express Tribune.

It also warned the IS that the Taliban's Islamic Emirate did not interfere in their affairs and expected the same from the Middle East-based terror group in the interest of Islam and Muslims.

Taliban also warned that a difference of opinion and approach should not lead to bloodshed, adding that such actions would damage their reputation and cause losses to the Mujahideen.

While pointing out that about 1,500 religious scholars had anointed the leader of the Islamic Emirate in keeping with 'Sharia' and renowned scholars across the Islamic world had pledged allegiance to him, the letter suggested that "everyone should work under one leader and one flag".

The statement came as reports claimed that jihadists belonging to the two terror groups were engaged in deadly clashes in parts of eastern Nangarhar province. The Taliban had also expressed concerns over the defection of several of their fighters to IS.

The IS has not yet responded to the letter.