Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor

The Taliban has elected Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as its new leader, after the group confirmed the death of their founder Mullah Omar
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Image thought to be of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor

1960s: Born in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan. Details about his exact age and family are largely unknown

1996-2001: Serves as aviation minister during Taliban’s period of rule over Afghanistan

2001: Put in charge of political and military affairs in seven member,Pakistan-based Shura, or Supreme Council – Taliban’s top decision-making body – following U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan

2010: Becomes Taliban’s deputy leader after capture of Abdul Ghani Baradar in Pakistan

Apr 2013: Taliban founder Mullah Omar (above right) believed to have died, according to Afghan officials.Mansoor probably becomes effective leader of group

Jun 2013: Taliban agree to peace talks with U.S. over Afghanistan

Jul 30, 2015: Taliban confirm Mullah Omar died “some time ago”.Mansoor named as new leader

Future: Mansoor’s closeness with authorities in Pakistan places him in good position to revive Afghan-Talibanpeace talks hosted by Islamabad but put on indefinite hold by news of Mullah Omar’s death
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Source: Wire agencies

Picture: Long War Journal

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