Pakistani officials had speculated that Hakimullah Mehsud was killed in a leadership struggle [AFP]

The appearance on Sunday by Hakimullah Mehsud ended any speculation that he was killed in a leadership battle within the Pakistani Taliban set off by the killing in August of Baitullah Mehsud, his predecessor, in a missile attack.

Mehsud, flanked by other Taliban commanders in a show of unity, spoke to a small group of reporters, on the condition the interview only be published on Monday.

Revenge threat

Mehsud said his group would avenge the killing of Baitullah Mehsud and hit back at Pakistan and the US for the increasing number of drone attacks in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

Unmanned drones have carried out more than 70 missile attacks in northwestern Pakistan over the last year in a covert programme, killing several Taliban commanders along with sympathisers and civilians.

The Pakistani government publicly condemns the attacks but is widely believed to sanction them and provide intelligence for at least some.

American officials have said they are considering a strategy of intensified drone attacks combined with the deployment of special operations forces against al-Qaeda and Taliban targets on the Pakistani side of the border.

As part of the offensive against the Taliban leadership, Mehsud's brother, Kalimullah, was killed last month.

Analysts say the group is struggling to regroup from the attacks on its leaders.

Recommend this article...

Did you enjoy this article? Please bookmark it onto:

Be first to comment this article

Write Comment

Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code.
Name:
E-mail
Homepage
Title:
BBCode:
Comment:
Code:*
	I wish to be contacted by email regarding additional comments

Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.4