Mullah Omar: Afghan Taliban leader 'is dead'

The Taliban fugitive leader Mullah Omar is dead, Afghan government and security sources have told the BBC.

Sources close to the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and an intelligence source said that Mullah Omar has been dead for two years.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid did not immediately comment but said the group would have a response later.

The BBC's Waheed Massoud said Omar was seen as a "spiritual leader" and that if confirmed, his death would have an effect on peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan administration.