Taliban leader’s death gives Obama opportunity for victory lap
President Barack Obama today confirmed the death of Taliban leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansur, who was targeted May 21 by a U.S. airstrike near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The president, who’s in Vietnam meeting with senior Vietnamese government officials, issued a statement about the deceased Taliban chieftain.
“Today marks an important milestone in our longstanding effort to bring peace and prosperity to Afghanistan,” Obama said. “With the death of Taliban leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansur, we have removed the leader of an organization that has continued to plot against and unleash attacks on American and coalition forces, to wage war against the Afghan people, and align itself with extremist groups like al-Qaida.”
Obama said Mansur “rejected efforts by the Afghan government to seriously engage in peace talks and end the violence that has taken the lives of countless innocent Afghan men, women and children.” The Taliban, the president said, “should seize the opportunity to pursue the only real path for ending this long conflict — joining the Afghan government in a reconciliation process that leads to lasting peace and stability.”
An Enduring Partner of Afghanistan
“As an enduring partner of the Afghan people,” Obama said, “the United States will continue to help strengthen Afghan security forces and support President [Ashraf] Ghani and the national unity government in their efforts to forge the peace and progress that Afghans deserve.
“We will continue taking action against extremist networks that target the United States,” he continued. “We will work on shared objectives with Pakistan, where terrorists that threaten all our nations must be denied safe haven. After so many years of conflict, today gives the people of Afghanistan and the region a chance at a different, better future.”
The president also expressed his gratitude to those involved in planning and carrying out the operation and to all Americans who have contributed to U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.
“I thank our dedicated military and intelligence personnel who have once again sent a clear message to all those who target our people and our partners — you will have no safe haven,” he said. “Today is a day for us to give thanks to all of the Americans who have served in Afghanistan for so many years with a selfless commitment to the security of our nation and a better future for the Afghan people.”
Defense Secretary Ash Carter also issued a statement today about the Taliban leader’s demise.
A Commitment to Address Threats
“Protecting American forces wherever they are in the world will always be one of my top priorities as Secretary of Defense,” Carter said. “The confirmation that our precision airstrike Saturday killed Taliban leader Mullah Mansur makes clear my commitment to address threats to our troops, NATO forces, Afghan military personnel and the innocent Afghan civilians who are working together so bravely to improve security in that country. Removing Mansur from the battlefield eliminates one roadblock to peace in Afghanistan.”
Carter added, “I want to thank the U.S 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. 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.”
