Live Update arrow right icon From the Liveblog of Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Afghan Taliban appoints new leader after Mansour’s death

25 May 2016, 4:24 pm
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The Afghan Taliban confirms that their leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour was killed in a US drone strike last week and says it has appointed a successor — a scholar known for extremist views who is unlikely to back a peace process with Kabul.

In a statement sent to the media, the Taliban names the new leader as Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, one of Mansour’s two deputies. The insurgent group says he was chosen at a meeting of Taliban leaders, which is believed to have taken place in Pakistan, but offers no other details.

In this undated and unknown location photo, the new leader of Taliban fighters, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada poses for a portrait. (Afghan Islamic Press via AP)
Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada (Afghan Islamic Press via AP)

— AP

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