'Backbone of Taliban broken'.

ISLAMABAD, August 10, 2009 (Frontier Star): Top Government official on Monday disclosed that following the killing of TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud in a missile attacks some days back, backbone of the Taliban is virtually broken and it is now trying to re-group with other defunct organizations. While giving briefing in a high level meeting, he was of the view that when TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud was attacked he was staying with his in-laws along with his wife. Due to some infection in his stomach, he had a drip attached to him. One day before an attack on him (TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud), he summoned a Shoora meeting in which future strategies were hatched. During the meeting, majority urged the need to lay off arms and negotiations with the government. In spite of all this, TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud was not ready for it. So far the death of TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud has not been confirmed 100 percent. After the death of TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud, top leadership of Taliban looks in tatters and disarray. It must be said that the differences between Hakim Ullah and Wali Ullah were heating up thus in firing Hakim Ullah was killed. While on the other hand, Wali Ullah is seriously injured in the firing. He further said that after the killing of TTP Chief Baitullah Mehsud, backbone of the Taliban looks broken. Taliban he said is now trying to re-group with other defunct organizations. There is a sheer possibility that they could succeed in efforts regarding nominating Joint Leader for themselves. On the other hand, he said that Afghan President has assured Pakistan for halting terrorism in Pakistan via Afghanistan. Thus, a formal agreement with Afghanistan is expected to take place soon so that terrorism could be curtailed.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)