Afghan Taliban leader Mansour possibly killed in US air strike

Newstrack
Published on: 22 May 2016 12:54 AM GMT
Afghan Taliban leader Mansour possibly killed in US air strike
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Islamabad: Afghanistan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has possibly been killed in a United States (US) air strike, told US security officials.

“Mullah and another male combatant were targeted while they were riding in a vehicle at a Pakistan’s remote area near the Afghan border,” said the officials.

The operation took place near Ahmad wal town at around 1500 hrs on Saturday and it was authorised by President Barack Obama.

“The terrorist was actively planning attacks, presenting a threat to Afghan civilians as well as security forces. Our personnel and Coalition partners were also affected,” said Pentagon – US Defence Department’s headquarters – in a statement.

Highlights:

  • The Pentagon has confirmed it targeted Mansour but the result is yet to be assessed.
  • Monsour was reported to be killed in a gun battle in 2015 but, it was later dismissed by the Afghan government.
  • He was the head of Taliban and close to its founder Mullah Omar.
  • He was also a civil aviation minister during Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.

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