Afghan Taliban names new leader as peace talks delayed

The Taliban have chosen late supreme leader Mullah Omar’s longtime deputy to replace him, two militant commanders announced, as Pakistan said peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government had been postponed.

Pakistan cited reports of Omar’s death as the reason for the delay in negotiations, amid fears that they could trigger a potentially bloody succession battle and further deepen divisions within the militant movement.

Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour was appointed leader at a meeting of the Taliban’s top representatives, many of whom are based in the Pakistani city of Quetta, according to the sources who were present at the shura, or gathering.