Afghan Taliban Confirms Mansoor’s Death, Appoints Moulavi Haibatullah Akhunzada New Emir

OSINT SUMMARY

On Wednesday 25^th May 2016, the Afghan Taliban confirmed the death of its leader Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansoor who was killed over the weekend by U.S. strike in Pakistan.

Following his death, the Council (Shura) met and appointed Moulavi Haibatullah Akhunzada to be the new emir of the militant group.

Akhunzada has served as the deputy chief of Taliban and was a member of the leadership council of the Taliban for several years.

Through a statement published on pro-jihadist websites, the council also announced appointment of Mullah Sarrajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, sons of Taliban founder leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, as the first and second deputies to Akhunzada respectively.