The leader of Osama bin Laden's former Black Guard and mastermind behind his escape from the U.S. bombing at Tora Bora in 2001 is now back in charge of Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.
'Anwar ul Haq Mujahid, the son of Younus Khalis, has returned with hundreds of vehicles and thousands of supporters to his family's seat of power and to a heroic welcome in Jalalabad,' a senior Afghan intelligence official who was recently deposed told the Daily Beast.
The official claims that Mujahid's command is joined by others who helped al Qaeda in 2001.
'Everyone who worked closely with al Qaeda in 2001 is back in his entourage, which arrived by air from Doha to help establish the new government in Kabul and then travelled overland this past week from Kabul to Jalalabad. He is now in charge of both Taliban and foreign fighters in Eastern Afghanistan, including a Chechen contingent.'
Filippo Rossi, a journalist on the ground in Afghanistan, and a senior U.N. political official also confirmed Mujahid's return as military commander.
Anwar ul Haq Mujahid (pictured), the leader of Osama bin Laden's former Black Guard, is now back in charge of Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.
Sources say Mujahid has been holding court daily in a reception hall as hundreds of Taliban fighters and villagers gather to 'listen to his wisdom and advice on the implementation of Sharia law'.
He is joined in leadership by Amin ul Haq, another former Black Guard member, who also recently returned to Jalalabad.
The two leaders - who arrived in Jalalabad a week apart - both have commands featuring hundreds of fighters and have already been exerting their authority.
As cited in by the news outlet, Afghans fleeing Kabul and attempting to seek refuge in Pakistan have faced 'heavy harassment and intimidation from soldiers under the command of both men' as they attempt to pass through Jalalabad.
'They are brutal,' Rossi said describing both men.
Meanwhile, the Taliban continue to deny their alliance with with al Qaeda although reports revealed before the U.S. military's withdrawal from the country revealed the two groups were 'closely aligned'.
Mujahid, along with Amin ul Haq, is leading a command with hundreds of Taliban fighters. He has been holding
