NATO forces in Afghanistan say they have killed one of Al Qaeda's most influential figures there.
In a statement NATO described Sakhar al-Taifi as Al Qaeda's second most senior leader in Afghanistan.
He commanded foreign insurgents and directed attacks against coalition and Afghan forces.
NATO says Al-Taifi died in an air strike in the Watapur district of Kunar province on Sunday night.
But the BBC reports Taliban sources in Kunar deny Al-Taifi was killed and claim he left the area three months ago.
Al-Taifi replaced al-Qaeda commander Abu Ikhlas al-Masri who was captured in Kunar province.
