Islamabad, Aug 6 (DPA) A Pakistani security official said late Wednesday the intelligence agencies were trying to confirm reports that Taliban head Baitullah Mehsud had died in a suspected US missile strike that killed his wife in tribal region near Afghan border.
“We have been busy for hours to check the information coming from the area that Baitullah also died with his wife,” a local intelligence officer said on condition of anonymity.
“Whether confirmation or disconfirmation will definitely be available in next couple of hours,” he added.
Mehsud’s second wife died when two missiles fired from missile hit the house of his father in law Malik Ikramuddin. One more person, unidentified so far, also died and four children of Mehsud’s brother in law were critically wounded.
Mohammad Iqbal Mehsud, a cousin of Mehsud’s dead wife said the Taliban leader was not present in the house when the strike took place. But the Taliban refused to comment on the reports.
The presumed US drone strike came as Pakistani security forces were gearing up for a major offensive against Mehsud, who is blamed for dozens of terrorist attacks across the country.
Washington has also announced a $5-million reward for information leading to his arrest or death.
