Pakistani security forces have captured a senior Taleban commander and a close associate of the slain militant leader Baitullah Mehsud, dealing another blow to the Islamist militant group.
Maulvi Omar, who worked as a spokesman for Tehrik-e-Taleban Pakistan, was arrested on Monday night when driving with two associates in the Mohmand tribal region bordering Afghanistan, according to Pakistani intelligence sources. He was believed to be on his way to a secret meeting of top Taleban commanders.
Mr Omar was one of the most high profile Taleban officials, who frequently called journalists claiming responsibility for terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
He had been keeping a low profile in recent months as Pakistani security forces launched offensives in the Mohamand region where he lived. Local officials said the arrest was made possible by the help of local anti-Taleban militia.
On Monday police arrested another close associate of Mr Mehsud as he arrived in Islamabad for medical treatment.
Qari Saifullah, who was allegedly involved in several terrorist attacks in Pakistan, had been injured during a US drone strike in South Waziristan, police said. It was unclear whether it was the same US missile strike that killed Mr Mehsud on August 5.
Analysts said that the capture of such high-profile officials would further weaken the militant organisation, which was already in disarray following the death of Mr Mehsud.
Senior Taleban commanders have been engaged in a fierce power struggle following their commander's death. There have been reports of violent clashes between the supporters of the two main contenders to succeed him, Wali Ur Rehman and Hakimullah Mehsud. The Taleban shura (council) has yet to choose between the two.
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