Mullah Mansour was an obstacle in the path of a peaceful resolution to the Afghan war. As we have said before, the U.S. supports the Afghan –led and Afghan-initiated peace talks with those who agree to abide by the constitution of Afghanistan, renounce violence against the Afghan people and government. Mansour not only rejected efforts by the Afghan government to seriously engage in peace talks but also planned attacks against American and coalition forces and the Afghan people.” Let this be a response to those who believe that if we support peace negotiations than somehow that equals losing the war.
Our president stated that, “The Taliban 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.”
Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis while briefing reporters on Mansur’s death, told reporters that the U.S.-led collation was in communication with Afghan and Pakistani defense officials prior to the airstrike. Capt. Davis emphasized that military authorizations permitted actions against enemies who aim to harm the United States and its allies.
“The United States, Pakistan and Afghanistan share common aims of taking out senior terrorist leaders when and where we see them. Mansour was a specific, imminent threat to U.S. and coalition personnel,” and was “set on attacking Afghanistan, U.S. and coalition forces,” Davis noted. The U.S. military has a commitment to the Afghan people and the region to help bring those who continue to propagate violence to a swift end.
Haroon Ahmad
DET – U.S. Central Command
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