KABUL (Staff Report) - Top Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Hassan Rahmani Monday night died of cancer at an undisclosed location, a statement from the insurgent group said on Tuesday.

In a photo shared by Taliban on social media, Mullah Rahmani can be seen lying on a hospital bed. The location of the hospital is however not available.

The Taliban commander was considered as close aide of former chief Mullah Mohammad Umar, who died in 2012, and remained appointed as Kandahar Governor in Taliban regime.

Mullah Rahmani was one of the key leaders who supported peace talks with President Ashraf Ghani's government.

He had reportedly defied the appointment of Mullah Akhtar Mansour as Taliban chief however the ties mended afterwards.