Taliban chief is still alive, claims aide
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
The man suspected of masterminding the murder of Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto may still be alive, despite claims he had been killed in a US missile attack last week.
The US government had said it was "increasingly confident" that Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistan Taliban, had been killed in South Waziristan last Wednesday after his death was confirmed by a close aide.
But yesterday, Hakimullah Mehsud, a fellow commander and close associate of the Taliban leader, dismissed the claims as "ridiculous".
However, some analysts believe the contradictory claims may be part of the battle for the Taliban leadership and an attempt to delay a decision in naming an heir. Despite the counter-claims, neither side has so far produced any hard evidence either way. Last year, a senior Pakistani intelligence official said Mehsud had died from kidney failure, only for him to emerge alive and well days later.
Mehsud is Pakistan's most wanted man and is believed to command more than 20,000 pro-Taliban militants.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments