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Taliban Finally Confirm Mehsud's Death

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 25, 2009 11:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – Weeks after a US drone reportedly took out the Taliban's leader in Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud's fellow commanders have confirmed his death. Two Taliban officials—including his successor, Hakimullah Mehsud—tell the BBC that their leader actually died Sunday after being critically injured in the airstrike. The development also clears up rumors about Hakimullah Mehsud, thought to be in his late 20s: some reports had him killed in an internal power struggle.

Hakimullah Mehsud, the new leader.
Hakimullah Mehsud, the new leader.   (AP Photo/Ishtiaq Mehsud, File)
Baitullah Mehsud, in a file photo. His fellow commanders have confirmed his death.
Baitullah Mehsud, in a file photo. His fellow commanders have confirmed his death.   (AP Photo/Express Channel)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
sully4411
Aug 25, 2009 4:57 AM CDT
i never woulda figured that the BBC has regular phone conferences with Taliban leaders....kinda cute..

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