Al Jazeera: Afghan Taliban confirm death of Mullah Omar, say group has new leader
Afghan Taliban sources confirmed to Al Jazeera that its reclusive leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, is dead. They also said that a high meeting of the Shura Council was held Wednesday night and Thursday, where the ruling council decided to elect Mullah Akhtar Mansoor, the head of the Quetta Shura, to be the new "Commander of the Faithful in Afghanistan.”
The Pakistan Foreign Office tells Al Jazeera that it is postponing the second round of talks between Afghanistan's government and the Taliban in Afghanistan in light of the news about Mullah Omar's death.
The Afghan Taliban, which has been fighting to topple the Kabul government for almost 14 years, said on Thursday they are “not aware” of a new round of peace talks due to begin on Friday in Pakistan — a statement indicating the group may be pulling out of the negotiations.
WNU Editor: I am impressed. Apparently they kept his death quiet for a very long time.
More On The Taliban Confirming The Death Of Their Leader Mullah Omar
Mullah Omar: Taliban choose deputy Mansour as successor -- BBC
Afghan Taliban names a new leader, but peace talks delayed -- Reuters
Taliban taps new leader, delays peace talks -- The Hill
Taliban confirm leader dead, name successor -- USA Today
Taliban Confirm Death of Mullah Omar and Weigh Successor -- NYT
Taliban officially announces death of Mullah Omar -- The Guardian
Taliban Appoints Mullah Akhtar Mansour as New Leader, People Close to the Group Say -- WSJ
Taliban confirm Mullah Omar's death -- CNN
Afghan Taliban: "Family" of Mullah Omar confirm his death -- AP
Afghan peace talks postponed amid fallout from Taliban leader’s death -- Washington Post
Appointment of new Taliban chief heralds 'ugly succession period' -- Deutsche Welle
Update: More on who is the new leader of the Taliban .... Who Is Mullah Akhtar Mansoor? New Afghan Taliban Chief To Succeed Mullah Omar Following Revelation Of Leader's Death (IBTimes).
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