WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The killing of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has removed one obstacle in efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a statement on Monday.
“Removing Mansur from the battlefield eliminates one roadblock to peace in Afghanistan,” Carter stated.
Earlier in the day, President Barack Obama confirmed Mansour's death in a US drone strike carried out several days ago. Mansour has been Taliban's top commander since the death confirmation of the group's longtime leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in July 2015.
“I want to thank the US forces that carried out this important operation, and reaffirm that we will continue to disrupt networks and individuals that threaten the United States and our forces abroad,” Carter said. “The Department of Defense will also continue to support the government of Afghanistan's effort to build a brighter and safer future for the people of Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan is experiencing significant political, social and security-related instability, as radical extremist organizations, including the Taliban, continue to stage attacks against civilian and state targets.
