White House calls reports of Mullah Omar's death 'credible'

Spokesperson Eric Schultz refuses to comment on specific claims made by Afghanistan that Omar died in Pakistan

WASHINGTON: The White House on Wednesday lent credence to reports that Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar was dead.

Spokesperson Eric Schultz said that reports “were credible,” but did not comment on the specific claim made by Afghanistan that he had died two years ago in a Karachi hospital.

"The intelligence community is looking at these reports and continues to assess the circumstances around his death," he said.

"But beyond that I'm not going to be in a position here to speak candidly about what we know at this point."

Earlier, Afghan intelligence's National Directorate of Security said Mullah Mohammed Omar died in Pakistan in April 2013.

There have been longstanding rumors of Omar's demise but the latest claim is the first confirmation from the Afghan government.

The Taliban have yet to react to the reported death of their historic leader.

In April, the group published a biography of Omar describing him as still involved in "jihadi activities." A few weeks ago, there was also a customary Eidul Fitr message, purportedly from Omar.