Baitullah’s likely successor killed in Taliban infighting: Reports

August 9th, 2009 - 3:50 am ICT by IANS  

Taliban South Waziristan (Pakistan), Aug 9 (IANS) A Taliban leader was killed by a rival group during a meeting to select a new chief of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the country’s restive South Waziristan region, media reports said.
The members of the group had gathered in the area to select a new leader of the TTP.

However, a fighting broke out between supporters of Hakimullah Mehsud and the faction loyal to Taliban commander Wali-ur-Rehman, Geo TV said Saturday.

Hakimullah Mehsud was killed just after he was appointed TTP chief.

Other media reports said Mehsud was killed by Taliban commander Wali-ur-Rehman, who was injured in the incident.

Pakistan’s most wanted militant commander, Baitullah Mehsud, his wife and bodyguards were reportedly killed in a US missile attack Wednesday.

Analysts said the death of TTP chief Baitullah Mehsud was a major blow to the group.

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