THE SUNDAY TIMES: After weeks of speculation and reports of infighting the Pakistan Taleban have appointed a top militant commander as their new chief to replace Baitullah Mehsud who was killed in a US missile attack.
The appointment Hakimullah Mehsud, the 28-year-old commander known for his ferociousness and believed to have masterminded the bloody attack on Sri Lankan cricket team early this year raised fears of new wave of militant violence in Pakistani cities.
A spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taleban Pakistan, a loose alliance of disparate groups of tribal factions said a 42-member Shura (Council) had elected Mr Hakimullah to succeed Mr Mehsud.
However Taleban leaders refuse to admit that Mr Mehsud has been killed; the spokesman would say only that he was unable to carry out his responsibilities as leader because of failing health. >>> Zahid Hussein in Islamabad | Sunday, August 23, 2009
