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Afghan Taliban leader Mansour 'probably killed' in US air strike Afghan Taliban leader Mansour 'probably killed' in US air strike
(35 minutes later)
Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has probably been killed in a US air strike, US officials say.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.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.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.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. False rumours have often surrounded Taliban leaders.
His appointment as Taliban chief was disputed with a rival group selecting their own leader. Omar died in 2013 but this was only confirmed by the Taliban two years later, while Mansour was reported to have been killed in a gun battle last year, something dismissed by the Afghan government.
Mansour's 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".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".
The Taliban have made gains since international troops withdrew from an active fighting role in 2014.
Nato forces are increasingly being deployed in battle zones to support Afghan forces fighting the Taliban.
Who is Mullah Mansour?
Profile: Mullah Akhtar Mansour