Death of Afghan Taliban Leader?

Mullah Akhtar Mansoor

Afghan Taliban Leader Injured (or Killed)? Initial reports from mid-week suggest that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansur has been seriously injured in a firefight following a verbal dispute at a meeting of militant commanders in Pakistan. It's just bad judgement to allow guns at staff meetings; should have checked them at the door. I wonder how this will affect the prospects of peace negotiations? He was injured enough to be taken to a hospital where (I am speculating) Pakistani security authorities ensured that he would not be targeted during his stay. Other reports say that the Taliban leader was killed. The Taliban (and Pakistani authorities) kept the death of Mullah Omar, the previous Taliban leader, quiet for over two years. There are various factions of the Taliban saying he is just fine, not wounded; and others saying he has been killed; and still more saying he is wounded and will need months to recover. (Pajhwok Afghan News, Dec 5, 2015). Let's see how long it takes for the real story to come out on this incident. Read more in "Afghan Taliban Leader 'Seriously Injured' in Pakistan", Gandhara Blog, December 2, 2015.

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