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The Afghan government is looking into reports that the feared Taliban chief Mullah Mohammad Omar could have died two years ago.
After heavy speculation emerged on Wednesday, Afghan presidential spokesperson Sayed Zafar Hashimi confirmed that the government had received reports of the death but did not confirm it.
"Afghan government has received reports indicating Taliban leader Mullah Omar is dead, but is in the process of assessing the reports. We are trying to get it confirmed. We will let you know of any development," Hashimi told reporters. "We can't confirm or reject the report of his death."
A senior official earlier told Anadolu Agency, on condition of anonymity, that Pakistan had informed the Afghan government about the death.
"He reportedly died two years ago in Pakistan due to some serious illness," the official said.
Taliban sources were not available to comment about the reports.
Many Afghans reacted to the news with skepticism after earlier reports about the death of Mullah Omar had proved to be hoaxes.
The mysterious Taliban chief has rarely been seen and has been in hiding since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, with even many of his fighters unaware of whether he is alive.
The reported death comes as Afghan and Taliban representatives were reportedly scheduled to hold a second round of peace talks on Friday.
"Regarding the upcoming talks between Afghan delegation and Taliban: work on venue, date and composition of the delegation for the next talks are still underway," Hasmi told reporters.
Only two weeks ago, the Taliban released an Eid message attributed to Mullah Omar calling on Taliban fighters to back the peace talks. - Kabil
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