Islamabad complains about U.S. strike that killed Taliban leader in Pakistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 May 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Islamabad complains about U.S. strike that killed Taliban leader in Pakistan, 24 May 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57690156f.html [accessed 2 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 24, 2016
A car is seen on fire at the site of a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan that is believed to have killed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akthar Mansur.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Kahn has complained about a U.S. drone strike targeting Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansur – saying that the attack on the Taliban leader while he was in Pakistan was not legal.
The Pentagon has said Mansur was targeted by the May 21 drone strike under U.S. rules of engagement that allow "defensive strikes" against people engaged in activity that poses "specific, imminent threats" to U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan.
But Khan said it is "against international law" for the U.S. government to say that "whoever is a threat to them will be targeted wherever they are."
U.S. President Barack Obama said on May 23 that Mansur was killed in the drone strike near Quetta just south of Afghanistan's border.
But Khan said on May 24 that DNA tests were necessary to confirm the identity of the badly charred body thought to be that of Mansur.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
