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Officials: Taliban's Mehsud Is Dead

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2009 5:00 AM CDT

(Newser) – Pakistani officials have confirmed the death of Baitullah Mehsud, the Pakistani Taliban leader, in an American drone strike early Wednesday. While there is still no concrete evidence of his death, the country's foreign minister said today that "he has been taken out." One security official told the New York Times that Mehsud has already been buried. Pakistani media are reporting that senior Taliban leaders are meeting to choose his successor.

Mehsud's network, operating from Pakistan's lawless northwest near the border with Afghanistan, is accused of a string of suicide bombings, including the massive blast that killed Benazir Bhutto in 2007. His death marks a significant accomplishment for the Obama administration and the CIA, which have made Mehsud one of its top targets. The State Department had offered a $5 million reward for his capture.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said today that Baitullah Mehsud was dead but that authorities would travel to the site of the strike to verify the reports.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said today that Baitullah Mehsud was dead but that authorities would travel to the site of the strike to verify the reports.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani intelligence officials said that Mehsud, seen at left, had been killed in a US missile strike and buried.
Pakistani intelligence officials said that Mehsud, seen at left, had been killed in a US missile strike and buried.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani villagers look at a house belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud which was destroyed by authorities in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.
Pakistani villagers look at a house belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud which was destroyed by authorities in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.   (AP Photo/Ishtiaq Mehsud)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
SilenceDogood
Aug 7, 2009 11:53 AM CDT
It was not Obama’s army that did this, it was Bush that set these acts into motion. Obama wants a quick exit. Give the blame and the praise where it belongs.
gabo
Aug 7, 2009 11:23 AM CDT
Too bad he didn't see it coming....
cochiserocks
Aug 7, 2009 10:36 AM CDT
“Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person at the right time, and for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not within everyone's power and that is not easy.” Good job

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