http://www.pakistantimes.net/pt/detail.php?newsId=3214
2 Taliban commanders die in armed clash
Observer Report
Wana-Two influential Taliban commanders were killed in armed clash
erupted in two groups of the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) when key
leaders gathered to choose successor of Taliban supremo Baitullah Mehsud,
reports said Saturday.
Reportedly, a meeting of five key Taliban leaders was underway at an area
between South and North Waziristan Agency when Taliban commanders disputed each
other and exchanged hot words over the issue of choosing Baitullah Mehsud's
successor after his mysterious death.
As a result commander Wali Urrehman opened fire on Hakimullah Mehsud, the
spokesman of TTP, leaving him dead on the spot. In the clash Wali Urrehman was
also killed by his rivals, sources reported.
Hakimullah, who controls fighters in the Orakzai, Kurram and Khyber
tribal regions, is regarded as one of the leading contenders to replace
Baitullah Mehsud.
The holding of meeting by Taliban leaders also proved true the reports
that Taliban supremo Baitullah Mehsud has been killed in the US drone attack
among his wife, which the fellow commanders refuted.
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.
Earlier, Hakimullah Mehsud, while refuting the reports has said the
Taliban will release a video of Baitullah Mehsud.
He said Baitullah Mehsud was alive and still holding the command of
Taliban fighters. "He has been safe at an undisclosed place," Hakimullah said.
He promised to release a recorded video of Mehsud within two to three
days.
