Afghan Taliban leader Mansour 'probably killed' in US air strike

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,
said a US State Department spokesperson, without clarifying
whether the notification was made in advance.
False rumours have often surrounded Taliban leaders.
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 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.