A US drone strike has killed the Pakistan Taliban number two Wali-ur-Rehman in North Waziristan, according to multiple reports.
Hakimullah Mehsud (left) with Wali-ur-Rehman Photo: AP
Wali-ur-Rehman had been poised to succeed Hakimullah Mehsud as leader of the
Pakistan Taliban, a senior army official based in the South Waziristan
tribal region, the group's stronghold, said in December.
The Pakistani Taliban are a separate entity allied to the Afghan Taliban.
Known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), they have launched
devastating attacks against the Pakistani
military and civilians.
Three security officials told Reuters that Rehman had died in the strike.
Two officials told the Associated Press their informants in the field have
seen the body. A third official said there are intercepted communications
between militants saying Rehman was killed.
Drone casualties are difficult to verify. Foreign journalists must have
permission from the military to visit the tribal areas along the Afghan
border.
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