Obama confirms death of Taliban chief Mullah Mansour

Kabul, May 23 US President Barack Obama on Monday confirmed the death of Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour, saying his death marks an "important milestone" in the longstanding effort to bring peace in Afghanistan.

In a statement issued by the Whitehouse, Obama, who is in Vietnam, said: "Mansour's death removes the leader of an organisation that has continued to plot and unleash attacks on US and has waged war against the Afghan people."

Obama said the US will continue to take action against extremist networks that target the US and coalition forces.