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Afghan Taliban leader Mansour 'likely killed' in US air strike Afghan Taliban leader Mansour 'probably killed' in US air strike
(35 minutes later)
The Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour is "likely" to have been killed in US air strike on the Afghan-Pakistani border, US officials say. Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has probably been killed in a US air strike, US officials say.
The Pentagon announced it had carried out a series of raids targeting the militant leader in a remote border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. 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.
Mansour assumed the leadership last year, replacing Mullah Mohammad Omar. 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.
Late last year he was reportedly seriously wounded in a shooting after meeting militants in Pakistan.
His appointment as Taliban chief was disputed with a rival group selecting their own leader.
The Pentagon's statement said Mansour was actively involved with planning attacks "presenting a threat to Afghan civilians and security forces, our personnel, and Coalition partners".