Afghanistan probes Mullah Omar death claim

The Afghan government says it is investigating reports that Talibanleader Mullah Omar is dead. The reclusive Al Qaeda ally has evaded capture for over a decade despite one of the world’s largest manhunts
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1994: Founds armed Taliban movement amid civil war following Soviet withdrawal

1996: Sweeps to victory over rival militias,capturing Afghan capital, Kabul. Becomes supreme leader of Taliban’s self-declared Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Oct 2001: Alliance between Omar and Osama bin Laden prompts U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in aftermath of 9/11 attacks

Dec 2001: Kandahar falls to U.S.-ledforces. Omar goes into hiding, with $10m U.S. State Department bounty on his head. Taliban leader never seen again in public

Jul 29, 2015: Afghan officials investigating claims that Omar died two to three years ago

Mullah Omar (centre) during a rally of his troops in Kandahar before their assault on Kabul in 1996

1962: Mullah Mohammed Omar born in southern Afghan province of Uruzgan. Spends much of early life in village of Singhesar in neighbouring Kandahar province

1980s: Fights as soldier with Mujahideen rebels against Soviet forces occupying Afghanistan.Reportedly wounded four times in battle. Loses right eye to shrapnel injury
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Source: Wire agencies

Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images

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