Statement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on U.S. Airstrike Against Taliban Leader Mullah Mansur
May 23, 2016

Protecting American forces wherever they are in the world will always be one of my top priorities as Secretary of Defense. The confirmation that our precision airstrike Saturday killed Taliban leader Mullah Mansur makes clear my commitment to address threats to our troops, NATO forces, Afghan military personnel and the innocent Afghan civilians who are working together so bravely to improve security in that country. Removing Mansur from the battlefield eliminates one roadblock to peace in Afghanistan.

I want to thank the U.S forces that carried out this important operation, and reaffirm that we will continue to disrupt networks and individuals that threaten the United States and our forces abroad. The Department of Defense will also continue to support the government of Afghanistan’s effort to build a brighter and safer future for the people of Afghanistan.