Taliban deny Mulla Omar death

KABUL: Taliban on Wednesday said Mullah Omar was still alive, accusing the Americans of hacking into their phones after a text message sent to media from a spokesman's phone said the leader was dead.

In the text message, Zabihullah Mujahid said: "Leadership council of IEA (Islamic emirate of Afghanistan) announces that Ameer-ul-Mumineen (Mullah Omar) has passed away. May mighty God bless him."

He later denied sending the message, speaking by telephone.