Taliban commander denies Mehsud dead

[EjazR]

Pakistani Taliban sows doubt over leader's death | International | Reuters

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A fellow commander in the Pakistani Taliban insisted that Baitullah Mehsud, the movement's leader, was alive, the BBC reported on Saturday, rejecting government claims he had been eliminated in a U.S. drone strike.

Hakimullah Mehsud, one of the most powerful commanders in the tribal region, described reports of Mehsud's death as "ridiculous" and said it was "the handiwork of the intelligence agencies," the BBC Urdu service website said.

Some analysts suspected that the Pakistani Taliban's leadership was divided over who should become the next chief and that Hakimullah's denial aimed to buy time until a new leader emerged.

Hakimullah, who controls fighters in the Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber tribal regions, is regarded as one of the leading contenders to replace Baitullah Mehsud.

There was no independent confirmation of his claim, the BBC said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Friday the government was sure Mehsud was killed in the attack on Wednesday that also killed his second wife, a brother, seven bodyguards and destroyed his car.

"It is pretty certain now that he is dead. Various government agencies have reported so, his own followers have said so, there are people who have been to the funeral and are witness to the burial," Qureshi told BBC Radio.

A senior official who requested anonymity went further.

"It's 100 percent certain now," a senior member of the Pakistan government told Reuters, explaining that the intelligence services had obtained confirmation of Mehsud's death from family members.

Qureshi anticipated the death of Mehsud would leave a void in the Taliban movement that could lead to divisions.

"With him gone, I think there is going to be an internal struggle and disarray in their ranks, I think it will set in demobilisation. It is a great success for the forces that are fighting extremism and terrorism in Pakistan," Qureshi said.

(Reporting by Zeeshan Haider; Writing by Simon Cameron-Moore; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)

 

[Bill Longley]

http://mbik14.blogspot.com/2009/08/map-of-waziristan-ja-al-haqu-wa-zahakal.html

After the death of Baitullah Mahsud the disputes between Taliban has come out. According to reports Qari Hussein (Father of Suicide bombing in Pakistan) , Hakeem ullah Mahsud( Butcher of Kurram and Nephew of Baitullah Mahsud) both wants to Take his Place , then there is Wali ur Rehman Mahsud who is a nominee.

Hakeem ullah Mahsud was Operational commander of Baitullah Mahsud, Commanding TTP forces in Kurram, Aurak zai and Khyber. He is a cruel ruthless man with strong sectarian likings and disliking. He has strong support in Mahsud clan and is disliked by Qari Hussein

Qari Hussein is not a Mahsud. He belongs to Al Qaeda and has full support from Al Qaeda.. He was the person who was responsible for planning and killings of dozens of Waziries and Bhitanies. On his order Brother of Turkistan Bhitani was beheaded. Qari Hussein is also behind Suicide attacks all over Pakistan. Government of Pakistan Recorded his conversation with Baitullah Mahsud after Murder of ex prime Minister Benazir Bhotto in which Baitullah congratulated him for his operation. He is believed to be chief Instructor and ideologue behind suicide terrorism in Pakistan.

According to reports and Sources TTP is expected to break in few days. Dispute on who will replace Baitullah is becoming dirtier. Shura(assembly) of Pakistani Taliban has requested Afghan Taliban to mediate. And on their request a High profile leader is being sent to mediate and chose new leader of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan.



There is another force that is Hafiz Gul Bahader. He was head of Shura Al Mujahideen which was made after Mahsud Compromised with Waziri Alliance for defense of Waziristan from Army operation. In past Mahsuds blockaded Waziri people using their area , to move from north to south Waziristan and vise versa. Wazir’s have traditionally been rivals of Mahsuds. It is expected that Gul Bahader who have full support of Waziri Alliance will support Qari Hussein because of him being non Mahsud. He will try to eliminate all chances of new leader coming from Mahsud tribe.

Secondly there is a confusion that new leader will be head of Mahsuds or will be head of TTP. One thing for sure is that Waziri allience will never let a Mahsud to become head of TTP. their are strong reports that Gul Bahader Hates Hakeemullah Mahsud and thats why Hakeem ullah is struggleing to win support

Clashes have started between Abdullah Mahsud /Bhitani group with Mahsuds men.

Today HAKEEM ULLAH MAHSUD HAS GIVEN STATEMENT THAT BAITULLAH IS ALIVE… This statement is nothing but get some time to

· Eliminate those who oppose him

· To convince his tribesmen and other to choose him


LOST IDENTITY: Questions Ariseing from Baitullah Mahsuds Death

 

[EjazR]

If TTP really wanted to prove he is alive, they would have come out with a video clip or even an audio clip or a telephone conversation with the media. The fact that this hasn't happened means most likely he is dead and this is jut a propaganda tactic and a sign of desperation.

 

[MOSABJA]

Reports: Deputy says Pakistan's Mehsud is alive

By NAHAL TOOSI (AP) – 28 minutes ago

ISLAMABAD — A deputy to Baitullah Mehsud claimed Saturday that the Pakistani Taliban chief was not killed by a CIA missile strike, contradicting another aide who confirmed Mehsud's death a day earlier.

His claim, reported widely by Pakistani media, flies in the face of growing confidence among U.S. and Pakistani officials that Mehsud died, and it could be a tactical maneuver aimed at delaying a decision on who will succeed Mehsud.

Local intelligence officials acknowledged Saturday that the missile strike said to have killed the Taliban chief was carried out with Islamabad's help, indicating growing coordination between the two countries despite Pakistan's official disapproval of the strikes.

The deputy stating that Mehsud is alive, Hakimullah, is one of the potential successors to lead the militant group. He made the comments in phone calls to several news outlets. However, he could not provide evidence that the militant chief is still alive.

Intelligence agents said it appears likely that Hakimullah may be passed over for the top position in favor of another Mehsud aide, Waliur Rehman.

In a phone call to the Associated Press, Hakimullah said "some outside power" was spreading rumors of Mehsud's death in the press as a means of trying to get him to come forward — thus becoming a target for a missile.

Hakimullah said the Taliban would present some proof of Mehsud's continued existence in the coming days.

Asked if Mehsud could call the AP, Hakimullah said it was not possible at the moment. And asked why he did not refute the reports of Mehsud's death earlier in the week, the militant did not answer.

Mehsud's aide Kafayat Ullah told The Associated Press a day earlier that Mehsud was killed with one of his two wives Wednesday in his stronghold in the South Waziristan tribal region.

"I confirm that Baitullah Mehsud and his wife died in the American missile attack in South Waziristan," Taliban commander Kafayat Ullah told AP by telephone.

Pakistani and U.S. officials said they were getting the same reports and were reasonably confident in them, but did not have forensic evidence such as a body for irrefutable confirmation.

Pakistan considered the al-Qaida-linked Mehsud its No. 1 internal threat. He was suspected in the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and numerous suicide attacks across Pakistan.

The U.S. initially viewed him as less of a threat than other Taliban fighters, mainly because he tended to go after Pakistani targets instead of American and NATO troops in Afghanistan. That view appeared to change as Mehsud grew in strength.

Two Pakistani intelligence officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media, said the CIA launched the missiles after Pakistan passed along a confirmed report that the militant chief was staying at his father-in-law's home.

A video of the attack was shared with Pakistani authorities.

In it, Mehsud's vehicle is seen parked inside a sprawling compound and Mehsud was also visible, said one of the intelligence officials. The official declined to give more specifics, such as exactly where Mehsud was, but said his body was clearly hit.

Pakistan has routinely condemned the American missile strikes, saying they violate its sovereignty and anger the local population, especially when civilians are killed. Analysts suspect that public stance is simply a face-saving measure for the government, and that it secretly cooperating in the attacks.

In any case, the strike that killed Mehsud appears to be a huge boon for the Pakistanis, and it might nudge them to go after militant leaders the U.S. sees as a greater threat to its interests in neighboring Afghanistan.

Taliban fighters have been mulling who will succeed Mehsud as their top commander had yet to announce a decision three days after his death, a possible sign that a power struggle is shaping up among his followers.

Details about the Mehsud succession talks were murky. Those involved in the meeting, or shura, in South Waziristan have cut off their communications, likely out of fear their gathering could be targeted by another missile.

The exact location of the meeting also was kept secret, though a tribesman said it appeared to be somewhere in the Ladha area.

Dozens of militants, including Arabs, were heading to the gathering, but a large area was cordoned off and locals were restricted in their movements, said the tribesman, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter and fear for his life.

Aside from Hakimullah and Waliur Rehman, potential successors to Mehsud include another aide, Azmat Ullah and Qari Hussain, known for training suicide bombers.

The two intelligence officials said Mehsud's deputies were likely to select Waliur Rehman as their new commander because Mehsud had suggested his name as his successor. Hakimullah and Qari Hussain, however, remain strong contenders — both known for being ruthless.

The Associated Press: Reports: Deputy says Pakistan's Mehsud is alive

 

[Awesome]

This statement is not reliable.

 

[dabong1]

I will believe it when i see some proof........they have said a few times that they have killed BM before.

 

[Bill Longley]

I will believe it when i see some proof........they have said a few times that they have killed BM before.

have you read the statement of Hakeemullah Mahsud on BBC urdu

brother its a stupid statement

this thug is trying to gain time
بیت اللہ محسود پچھلے چار سال سے پاکستانی حکومت۔۔۔ اور عوام کے لئے دہشت کی علامت بنا ہوا تھا۔۔۔ جو پانچ اگست کی رات۔۔۔ ایک امریکی جاسوس طیارے کے حملے میں مارا گیا۔۔۔بیت اللہ محسود کی موت اس کی زندگی کی طرح ایک معمہ بن کر رہ گئی ہے۔۔۔ چھ اگست سے ہی میڈیا اور انٹیلی جنس حکام میں اس کی موت کی خبرین گردش ہونی شروع ہو گئی تھیں۔۔۔ جسے ایک نجی چینل کی بریکنگ نیوز نے اور ہوا دینی شروع کر دی۔۔۔۔ پھر سب سے پہلے وزیر ڈاخلہ رحمان ملک نے سات اگست کو سرکاری طور پر اس کی موت کی اطلاع دی ۔۔۔مگر اسے کنفرم کرنے سے انکار کر دیا۔۔۔ جس کے بعد اسی روز وزیر خارجہ شاہ محمود قریشی نے اس کی با ضابطہ تصدیق کی۔۔۔جس کے کچھ ہی دیر بعد، غیر ملکی میڈیا اور پھر امریکی حکام نے بھی اس کی تصدیق کر دی۔۔۔خود جنوبی وزیرستان سے بھی ایسی اطلاعات ملیں جن سے ظاہر ہو رہا تھا۔۔۔کہ بیت اللہ محسود مارا گیا ہے۔۔۔طالبان اور القاعدا کی جنوبی وزیرستان میں دوسرے علاقون سے آمد ۔۔۔اور محسود قبیلے کی شوریٰ کا غیر معمولی اجلاس اس خبر کی تاعید کر رہا تھا
عوام خوش تھے ۔۔کہ خوف اور دہشت کی علامت بیت اللہ محسود مارا گیا ہے۔۔ مگر آج بیت اللہ محسود کے بھحانجے۔۔۔ حکیم اللہ محسود نے اس کے زندہ ہونے کے متعلق بیان دے کر سب کو حیران کر دیا۔۔۔
بعض تجزیہ نگا رون کے مطابق یہ بیان ۔۔۔حکیم اللہ محسود کی جانب سے ٹایئم گین کرنے کی ایک کوشش ہے۔۔۔ کیونکہ حکیم اللہ کو بیت اللہ کی جگہ محسود قبیلے اور طالبان کا امیر بننے میں۔۔۔قاری حسین اور ولی الرحمٰن سے مزاہمت کا سامنا ہے۔۔۔ اس لئے جان بھوج کر ایسی بات پھیلانے کی کوشش کی جا رہی ہے۔۔۔ دوسری وجہ بیت اللہ محسود کے بعد پیدا ہونے والے خلا کو پر کرنے کے لئے طالبان کو وقت چاہئے۔۔۔ بیت اللہ محسود کی موت سے تحریک طالبان پاکستان کو بہت سخت دہجکہ پہنچا ہے۔۔۔اور طالبان ڈی مورال ہو رہے ہیں۔۔۔ اسی لئے طالبان لیڈر شپ ۔۔۔ بیت اللہ زندہ ہے جب تک نیا امیر نہیں آ جاتا ۔۔۔کے فارمولے پر عمل کر رہی ہے۔۔۔

 

[dabong1]

have you read the statement of Hakeemullah Mahsud on BBC urdu

There will nothing worse then us jumping up and down with joy and BM turns up on geo tv.......lets chill and be 100% sure BM has been killed but lets carry on with the anti TTP propaganda war.

 

[Bill Longley]

Sources of my channel have confirmed

 

[waraich66]

Sources of my channel have confirmed

Agreed , he is not soft target , once defeated Gen Musharaf (Hero of Kargil and Lal Mosque operation) in Wana 2003-2004.

 

[dabong1]

Gen Musharaf (Hero of Kargil and Lal Mosque operation) in Wana 2003-2004.

You must be joking....

 

[Slides]

You must be joking....

Straight from "Holly Land"..notice his location. I think he is from Hollywood, or maybe Bollywood.

 

[waraich66]

You must be joking....

Brave nations also accept their defeats , it is not joke we need to learn lesson from our defeats.

 

[waraich66]

Straight from "Holly Land"..notice his location. I think he is from Hollywood, or maybe Bollywood.

What a joke ha ha very funny, better stop indrect personal attacks, learn little ethics and grow .

 

[Slides]

What a joke ha ha very funny, better stop indrect personal attacks, learn little ethics and grow .

Learn how to spell basic things. What is Holly Land?