New Taliban chief Haibatullah Akhundzada to head Afghan Taliban

In a statement sent to media, the insurgent group said its new leader is Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, one of two Mansour's deputies.

taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, afghan taliban, afghanistan, taliban news leader, afghan taliban new leader, mullar akhtar mansour, taliban leader dead, us drone strike pakistan, us drone strike taliban

In this undated and unknown location photo, the new leader of Taliban fighters, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada poses for a portrait. The Afghan Taliban confirmed on Wednesday that their leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a U.S. drone strike last week and that they have appointed a successor – a scholar known for extremist views who is unlikely to back a peace process with Kabul. (Afghan Islamic Press via AP)

The Afghan Taliban on Wednesday confirmed that its former leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike last week and appointed a successor.

In a statement sent to media, the insurgent group said its new leader is Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, one of two Mansour’s deputies.

It said he was chosen at a meeting of Taliban leaders, which was believed to have been held in Pakistan.

Mansour was killed in Pakistan on Saturday when his vehicle was struck by a US drone, believed to be the first time a Taliban leader was killed in such a way inside Pakistani territory.

Pakistani authorities are believed to support Taliban leaders in cities over the Afghan border. The insurgents have been fighting to overthrow the Kabul government since 2001.

First uploaded on: 25-05-2016 at 10:43 IST

KKR vs PBKS Live Score, IPL 2024: Mitchell Starc in focus as Kolkata take on Punjab

SportsUpdated: April 27, 2024 00:35 IST

KKR vs PBKS IPL 2024: Mitchell Starc's performance will be closely watched as Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens. Despite his record-breaking bid, Starc has struggled with just 6 wickets and a finger injury. KKR, currently second in the table, will rely on their strong batting line-up against PBKS. Follow live updates below.

View all shorts

Live Blog