WASHINGTON - Taliban leader Mullah Omar, contrary to media reports, was never on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) most wanted list, and continues to be on the most wanted terrorist list of the United States.
Under the Reward for Justice (RFJ) program, the State Department has declared an award of $10 million to anyone who provides information leading to the capture of reclusive insurgent chief.

"Mullah Omar's status in the RFJ program remains unchanged," a State Department official told Pajhwok Afghan News. The FBI, which maintains a list of most wanted terrorist responsible for attacks inside the US, said Mullah Omar was never on its list and had been throughout on the State Department's RFJ list.

"So there is no question of him being removed from our list," a FBI spokesman said. According to the RFJ website, the Taliban regime had sheltered Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda network in the years prior to the September 11 attacks.

"Although Operation Enduring Freedom removed the Taliban regime from power, Mullah Omar remains at large and represents a continuing threat to America and her allies," it added.

Speculation is rife about his removal from the list given that the US is reportedly holding talks with the Taliban. The story originated in the Pakistani media with reports like the one from The Express Tribune.