Mullah Mohammed Omar is the leader of the Taliban and the former leader of Afghanistan. The Taliban was removed from power in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, but currently maintains power in the region.Christian Science Monitor: The reclusive ruler who runs the Taliban (October 10, 2001)
It is believed that the Taliban, under the guidance of Mullah Omar, continues to operate and gain strength in Afghanistan and Pakistan.UPI.com: On Afghan border: 'Drugs out, guns in' (January 22, 2009) A February 2, 2009 kidnapping of UN aid worker John Solecki is believed to have been organized by Taliban forces.ABC News: Gunmen Kidnap American UN Official in Pakistan (February 2, 2009)
A Taliban Resurgence
The Taliban is still very strong in Afganistan and Pakistan. Although President Obama has promised 20,000 additional troops to the region, reports state that the majority of the southern Afghanistan border is currently held by Taliban forces. A kidnapping of a UN official occurred near Quetta on February 2, 2009. John Solecki was kidnapped on his way to work and the driver of his car was killed. Solecki had worked in the area for two years.ABC News: Gunmen Kidnap American UN Official in Pakistan (February 2, 2009)
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US government offers $10 million reward for details leading to his captureRewards for Justice: Mullah Omar
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Only one picture known to exist of his likeness
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Believed to be in or near Quetta, on the border between Pakistan and AfghanistanCNN: Source: Mullah Omar in Pakistan (September 9, 2006)
