WASHINGTON: Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor was targeted and “likely killed” Saturday in a US drone strike in a remote area of Pakistan along the Afghan border, a US official said.
The airstrike, which was authorised by President Barack Obama, also killed a second adult male combatant as the two traveled in a vehicle southwest of the town of Ahmad Wal, but no civilians were killed.
“Mansoor was the target and was likely killed,” the official said, speaking under the condition of anonymity.
Mansoor was announced as the new Taliban chief on July 31, after the militant movement confirmed the death of their long-time leader Mullah Omar, who had led the movement for over two decades.
Late last year, Afghan officials said Mullah Mansoor was wounded in a gunfight following an argument at a meeting of militant commanders – a claim quickly denied by the orthodox militia.