Taliban Shrugs Off Commander's Death

Spokesman Confirms Mullah Dadullah's Death, But Group Vows Jihad Will Be Uninhibited

(CBS/AP)  Taliban leader Mullah Omar said the killing of the group's top field commander "won't create problems" for the hard-line militia, a spokesman said Monday.

Qari Yousef Ahmadi, who claims to speak for the Taliban, told The Associated Press that Omar and other top Taliban leaders passed condolences to Mullah Dadullah's family over the killing by the U.S.-led coalition, the first Taliban confirmation of Dadullah's killing.

Ahmadi read a statement attributed to Omar insisting that Dadullah's death "won't create problems for the Taliban's jihad" and that militants will continue their attacks against "occupying countries."

A NATO statement confirmed Afghan reports on the death of the feared militant commander during a U.S.-led coalition operation supported by NATO troops.

Dadullah, a top lieutenant of Taliban leader Mullah Omar, was killed Saturday in the southern province of Helmand, said Said Ansari, the spokesman for Afghanistan's intelligence service. Afghan forces assisted in the operation.

"Mullah Dadullah Lang will most certainly be replaced in time, but the insurgency has received a serious blow," the NATO statement said.

A Pakistani intelligence official, speaking on the condition that he would not be named, told CBS News' Farhan Bokhari that Mullah Dadullah's death "would mark one of the most significant setbacks to the Taliban in a very long time."

The official said Mullah Dadullah had emerged not only as a key Taliban commander in the past two to three years but was probably "among a handful of people who knew more about the Taliban operational strategy than anyone else."

Dadullah is one of the highest-ranking Taliban leaders to be killed since the fall of the hardline regime following the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, and his death represents a major victory for the Afghan government and U.S. and NATO troops.

"Mullah Dadullah was the backbone of the Taliban," Kandahar Gov. Asadullah Khalid said. "He was a brutal and cruel commander who killed and beheaded Afghan civilians."

Khalid showed Dadullah's body to reporters at a news conference in the governor's compound. An Associated Press reporter said the body, which was lying on a bed and dressed in a traditional Afghan robe, had no left leg and three bullet wounds: one to the back of the head and two to the stomach.

The AP reporter said the body appeared to be Dadullah's based on his appearance in TV interviews and Taliban propaganda videos.

In December, a U.S. airstrike near the Pakistan border killed another top Taliban commander in southern Afghanistan, Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani. Dadullah, Osmani and policy-maker Mullah Obaidullah had been considered to be Omar's top three leaders.

Dadullah, who comes from the southern province of Uruzgan, lost a leg fighting against the Soviet army that occupied Afghanistan in the 1980s. He emerged as a Taliban commander during its fight against the Northern Alliance in northern Afghanistan during the 1990s, helping the hardline militia to capture the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Since the Taliban's ouster in late 2001, Dadullah became recognized as the militant group's most prominent and feared commander. He often featured in videos and media interviews, and earlier this year predicted a massive militant spring offensive that has failed to materialize.

[soldier1974]

In response to the last comment. I recently returned from Afghanistan, and chased this animal for quite sometime. I have seen not only countless pictures of him, but also what he did to those who opposed him. These things I saw with my own eyes. He was a terror to his own people, and it is good that we are continuing to break down the Taliban at the highest levels. I only ask those who may have lost support for the politicians that are making our decisions that they continue to support the guys on the ground. We do what we do for all of us, and I would rather fight the fight over there, than to have these guys come to us.

[soldier1974]

In response to the last comment. I recently returned from Afghanistan, and chased this animal for quite sometime. I have seen not only countless pictures of him, but also what he did to those who opposed him. These things I saw with my own eyes. He was a terror to his own people, and it is good that we are continuing to break down the Taliban at the highest levels. I only ask those who may have lost support for the politicians that are making our decisions that they continue to support the guys on the ground. We do what we do for all of us, and I would rather fight the fight over there, than to have these guys come to us.

[feelfree1]

killtheliars,

Re: "That body could be anyone. Where is the proof he is really the Taliban commander? After the Jessica Lynch and Pat Tillman stories I do not believe anything the Pentagon or the white house puts out anymore.
Here in Philadelphia I am following a news story about the 6 men who were supposedly going to storm Fort Dix. THe case appears to be falling apart, and the more holes that appear, the less the FBI is willing to say. I think these 6 idiots were al Queda wannabes that were stupid enough to try and make a video. The FBI and White House saw it as an opportunity to spread more propaganda saying they are winning the so called war on terrorism."

Agreed.

###

sherrykay200,

Re: "Hey wait a minute here,so has anyone else ever noticed that every time The Commander Guy Mr
Flight Suit Liar in Chief FUBAR George W Bush's
poll numbers drop to the basement that thats
when the Bush and DOD PR Machine claims "The US
has killed another Taliban or Al_Qeada Top Leader" now then? So do the Taliban and Al_Qeada
have a Million Top Leaders and ten followers or
is the Bush "Mission Accomplished Banner" folks
at it again here? Impeach Mr Flight Suit George
W Bush and Deranged Draft Dodger Trickey Dickey
Cheney and Democrat Co-President AWOL Speaker
Madame Nutty Nancy Pelosi!"

Another great comment!

[conplan6022]

Wow, you are one sorely f*cked-up individual.Get help. Advocating genocide and nuclear war ... I'm sure your mom would be proud.
Posted by jimibear

Muslims have mass rallies where they should death to America and the Jews. They riot over cartoons, they keep women in bondage and slavery, to top it off, they want the rest of the world to submit to their brutal, 7th century cult and you're calling me f-kd up? You must be muslim-or just want to suck their terrorist ***, or both.

If anyone threatens to destroy the West, our liberty and freedom they deserve to be nuked. If all 1 billion muslims want this-then they all deserve to die. But I don't see you criticizing their calls for genocide, you little puke.

[toolmangler-2009]

Posted by sherrykay200 at 08:05 PM : May 14, 2007


Welcome to the real world sherrykay200...... ;)

[sherrykay200]

Hey wait a minute here,so has anyone else ever
noticed that every time The Commander Guy Mr
Flight Suit Liar in Chief FUBAR George W Bush's
poll numbers drop to the basement that thats
when the Bush and DOD PR Machine claims "The US
has killed another Taliban or Al_Qeada Top Leader" now then? So do the Taliban and Al_Qeada
have a Million Top Leaders and ten followers or
is the Bush "Mission Accomplished Banner" folks
at it again here? Impeach Mr Flight Suit George
W Bush and Deranged Draft Dodger Trickey Dickey
Cheney and Democrat Co-President AWOL Speaker
Madame Nutty Nancy Pelosi!

[bizzzz-2009]

If you believe that our government orchestrated 9 11, than I say my alien conspiracy theory make perfect sense.
How else could Bush take such a relentless political beating, day in and day out, if the future of the world didn't depend on it? He, along with a handful of people, have an insight into the future from Alien contact which takes place at Area 51.
The Democrats can't be told about the contact because of their complete transparency of policy and their inability to keep a secret. That along with their overall disinterest in religion strive for secularism would blow the lid off of all of it. The story would be on CNN that night and society would spiral into chaos. I'm telling you, it's the truth.

[bizzzz-2009]

See, my conspiracy makes perfect sense, doesn't it? I mean. Think about it, who could take such a political beating like George Bush has taken if the future of the world didn't depended on it? And understand, only a handful of people know about the alien contact, which by the way, takes place at Area 51.
The Democrats surely couldn't told be told about it. Their complete transparency of policy, and inability to keep a secret as well as their disinterest in religion, and strive for secularism would blow the lid off everthing and send our society into a downward spiral of chaos. I'm telling you, it's the truth.

[grazinggoat]

How's that for a conspiracy?
Posted by bizzzz at 04:00 PM : May 14, 2007

-You must be Steven Spillburger sauce on the floor. You must be the one who has orchestrated all this conspiracy. Hence you are an extra-terrestrial. And The Steven Spillburger is in reality an extra-terrestrial. So long E.T.! lol

[adafmtdue]

I say not only is George Bush the greatest President, he is the most important President ever, residing at the helm of a turning point in this World history.


I love that part

[bizzzz-2009]

To killtheliars,
Here's a conspiracy theory for you. I say George Bush entered us into this war on the warning of extraterrestrials who have been monitoring this planet, have insight into the future, and delivered a message to a select few high ranking government officials of the dangers and darkness that would rise from an Islamic world government. George Bush senior, who headed the CIA for years, was and is still one of these select contacts. He, along with the other government contacts orchestrated the election of his son so that they could keep the alien contact secret, preventing the society's religious beliefs from being compromised and preventing overall panic.
I say not only is George Bush the greatest President, he is the most important President ever, residing at the helm of a turning point in this World history- a struggle between freedom and oppression, good and evil- a new world order that will usher in either a future of light or a future of darkness.
How's that for a conspiracy?

[killtheliars]

That body could be anyone. Where is the proof he is really the Taliban commander? After the Jessica Lynch and Pat Tillman stories I do not believe anything the Pentagon or the white house puts out anymore.
Here in Philadelphia I am following a news story about the 6 men who were supposedly going to storm Fort Dix. THe case appears to be falling apart, and the more holes that appear, the less the FBI is willing to say. I think these 6 idiots were al Queda wannabes that were stupid enough to try and make a video. The FBI and White House saw it as an opportunity to spread more propaganda saying they are winning the so called war on terrorism.

[andrew_693]

wow, I guess this would be "mission accomplished 345" ? ? 4 years of war and all they have to show is this? one dead commander? meanwhile 500 illegals got through the mexican US border last night, who knows if there were any terrorists amongst them. Thousands of containers get through our ports without being checked daily. The true patriots would care about securing our borders, not fighting in Iraq, a war that has created more terrorists and put the US in more danger. This people that support the war in Iraq is because they work for one of those Bush companies that pays them 100's of thousands of dollars to keep the US there. Those are the true benefactors of this made up war.

[lars008-2009]

Appeal for Redress
Sign this Appeal.
This site is an Appeal For Redress in support of our mission in Iraq.
An Appeal For Redress is an authorized means for active duty military to submit a grievance to Congress. It can be signed by Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard military personnel.
It is authorized by DoD Directive 1325.6 and DoD Directive 7050.6.
The wording of the Appeal for Redress is:
As an American currently serving my nation in uniform, I respectfully urge my political leaders in Congress to fully support our mission in Iraq and halt any calls for retreat. I also respectfully urge my political leaders to actively oppose media efforts which embolden my enemy while demoralizing American support at home. The War in Iraq is a necessary and just effort to bring freedom to the Middle East and protect America from further attack.
If you are active duty, reservist or national guard, please Sign this Appeal.
Most service members fully support the war in Iraq and feel calls to retreat by Congress and attacks by our media on our conduct and mission act to motivate our enemy while demoralizing our support at home, directly increasing the threat we face and resulting in greater American casualties. This Appeal for Redress provides a way in which individual service members can appeal to Congress to fully support us and actively oppose media attacks on our mission and our morale.
This Appeal will be delivered to members of Congress.
http://www.appealforcourage.org/

[lars008-2009]

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry

USA's PLEDGE 2 THE WORLD GIVEN BY JFK!!

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty."
--John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1961 "

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." --John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, Jan. 20, 1961 "

One ought never to turn one's back on a threatened danger and try to run away from it. If you do that, you will double the danger. But if you meet it promptly and without flinching, you will reduce the danger by half. Winston Churchill

Edmund Burke: All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing.

[jimibear]

"And if any muslim idiot cries about their '1 billion muslims', don't think the West would have any trouble eliminating them all if need be. Europe perfect genocide and the US already dropped 2 nukes-more to come I'm sure.
Posted by conplan6022 at 02:10 PM : May 14, 2007
+ report abuse"

Wow, you are one sorely f*cked-up individual.

Get help. Advocating genocide and nuclear war ... I'm sure your mom would be proud.

[conplan6022]

Ahaha, look at all the muslims here pretending to shrug it off-how does it feel that your side is losing biatches? Where was the big taliban surge, seems all the rats are jumping off the Islam ship (or else committing suicide with NATO's help).

As we know cockroaches multiply furiously, but there's always a finite number, just like the terrorists and they will be eliminated, one by one if necessary-though I think bombs and nukes would hasten the process.

And if any muslim idiot cries about their '1 billion muslims', don't think the West would have any trouble eliminating them all if need be. Europe perfect genocide and the US already dropped 2 nukes-more to come I'm sure.

[neoconrcrazy]

This guy looks strikingly similar to:

superpat liebermann, amazing the beard, glassy eyes, everything!

[mbcsmith]

Good job U.S. military and NATO allies. Keep up the good work!

[toldyouso21]

Yes, I am glad that this evil man is dead. However, it is a violation of the Gineva convention to show photos of prisoners of war or casualties. Yes, just like it is wrong for Al-Jazera to show photos of dead Americans, it is also wrong for us to display photos of dead Taliban. The enemy has caused us to sink to their level. The enemy has won.
Posted by liberalameri at 10:09 AM : May 14, 2007


Bush had our names removed from the Geneva Conventions in May 2005. In 2003, America showed the bodies of Saddam's sons all over the ME and the rest of the world. It was depraved and tasteless--it probably also became the inspiration for more 'freedom fighters' to go to Iraq to greet America up close and personal. Showing the bullet ridden bodies was a very telling moment in both Bush and America's psyche and not one we will easily live down in the coming years.

Incidentally, Bush had himself granted Immunity from war crimes for Iraq and Afghanistan and also immunity from breaking the law for FISA--these immunities granted in 2006.