The Taliban officially confirmed Thursdaythat its founder and leader, Mullah Omar, is dead.The Taliban Supreme Council also named Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as its new leader.The Taliban did not indicate when Mullah Omar died.On Wednesday, the Afghan government said he died two years ago.Earlier Thursday, the Pakistani government saidAfghan peace talks would be postponedat the request of the Afghan Taliban.The Nigerian army said Thursdayit rescued 59 women, children, and older menwho had been captured by Islamic militants.Army officials say soldiers raided hideouts of the Boko Haram groupnear the northeastern city of Maiduguri.The officials say many Boko Haram militantswere killed in the rescue operation.The army also said it seized weapons and vehicles.Boko Haram militants often raid villagesand kidnap people, forcing them to become Muslim.The latest voter study shows American businessman Donald Trumpwith a big lead in the Republican Party presidential race.The Quinnipiac University national pollhas Mr. Trump in the lead with 20 percent.Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is next with 13 percent.Former Florida governor Jeb Bush comes in third with 10 percent.The number of Republican candidates has grown to 17.Former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore entered the race on Wednesday.The United States government said Thursdayit would investigate the killing in Zimbabwe of a protected lion.An American man, Walter James Palmer,hunted and killed the beloved lion known as Cecil.U.S. investigators saidthey had not been able to reach Mr. Palmer,a dentist in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.Also, President Obama's administration saidit will examine a U.S. public requestto send Mr. Palmer to Zimbabwe for legal action.An administration official saidthe petition had more than 100,000 signatures.