Taliban replace killed leader
The Pakistani Taliban has promoted its number two commander to replace leader Hakimullah Mehsud who was killed in a US drone strike. The Pakistan Taliban has vowed revenge on the US for the attack.
Profile: Hakimullah Mehsud
Pakistani intelligence officials have said that Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud was today killed in a drone strike, although it is not the first time his death has been reported:
- Hakimullah Mehsud took over as head of the Pakistani Taliban in August 2009 after the death of former leader Baitullah Mehsud in a drone strike.
- He is the commander of Taliban insurgents in their war against the Pakistani state, in which thousands have been killed.
- Has been falsely reported to have been killed several times in the past.
- Has a $5m US reward on his head.
- Believed to have been born in 1979.
- Hails from the town of Hangu in northern Pakistan.
Several intelligence, army and militant sources across Pakistan today confirmed Mehsud was killed in the strike in the lawless North Waziristan region.
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