Afghan intelligence agency says Taliban leader Mullah Omar is dead

KABUL – A spokesman for Afghanistan's intelligence agency said on Wednesday that Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar died two years ago in a Pakistani hospital. The statement by National Directorate of Security spokesman Hasib Sediqi came after the Afghan government said it was investigating reports of Omar's death, just days ahead of an expected second round of peace talks with the Taliban. The NDS has previously said privately that its intelligence indicated Omar was dead, but it has not provided proof. However, Zubihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for another faction of Taliban, said that Mullah Omar is alive. Akhtar Mansoor of Afghan Taliban had informed the Saudi authorities about the death of Mullah Omar. He had also asked to become the successor of Mullah Omar. –Reuters/92 News