Afghan Taliban leader Mansour ‘probably killed’ in US air strike

ASIA, May 22: Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has probably been killed in a US air strike, US officials say.

He and another male combatant were targeted as they rode in a vehicle in a remote area of Pakistan close to the Afghan border, the officials said.

The Pentagon has confirmed it targeted Mansour in strikes but said they were still assessing the results. Mansour assumed the leadership in July 2015, replacing Taliban founder and spiritual head Mullah Mohammad Omar.

The operation took place near the town of Ahmad Wal at around 15:00 (10:00 GMT) on Saturday and was authorised by President Barack Obama.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan were informed about the strike shortly after it took place, the White House said.

“We are still assessing the results of the strike and will provide more information as it becomes available,” said Pentagon spokesperson Peter Cook.

An unnamed Taliban commander told the Reuters news agency: “We heard about these baseless reports but this not first time. Just wanted to share with you my own information that Mullah Mansour has not been killed.” BBC