Tesla CEO Elon Musk fired the company's head of operations and one of his closest associates, Omead Afshar, according to a report by Forbes on Thursday.

Afshar's alleged departure from the automobile company coincides with declining sales in Europe, the United States, and China, and in the aftermath of Musk's public quarrel with United States President Donald Trump, which seemingly harmed the company's brand. Moreover, Afshar has been mentioned as one of the most influential people at Tesla, enjoying a close relationship with the tech mogul.

Musk and Afshar have not commented on the news.