<p>Talking to BBC from an unknown location, acting TTP head Moulvi Faqir Muhammad categorically refuted reports that Baitullah Mehsud had been killed in a US drone attack last week.<br /><br />He, however, admitted that Mehsud was ailing and was, therefore, keeping a low profile.<br /><br />Muhammad also said that Baitullah Mehsud had wanted to name his successor during his lifetime and the tribal meeting was called to ratify his decision.<br /><br />US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said last week Baitullah Mehsud's elimination was a "very big deal" in terms of security efforts in Pakistan.<br /><br />"The end of Baitullah Mehsud, as we all know, is a very big deal," he said Aug 12, citing reports of "disarray among his people, of other factions manoeuvring" following the apparent death of the Taliban leader. <br /><br />The Pakistani Taliban, an alliance of around 13 militant groups, is blamed for a wave of bomb and suicide attacks across Pakistan, including the one that killed former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.</p>
<p>Talking to BBC from an unknown location, acting TTP head Moulvi Faqir Muhammad categorically refuted reports that Baitullah Mehsud had been killed in a US drone attack last week.<br /><br />He, however, admitted that Mehsud was ailing and was, therefore, keeping a low profile.<br /><br />Muhammad also said that Baitullah Mehsud had wanted to name his successor during his lifetime and the tribal meeting was called to ratify his decision.<br /><br />US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke said last week Baitullah Mehsud's elimination was a "very big deal" in terms of security efforts in Pakistan.<br /><br />"The end of Baitullah Mehsud, as we all know, is a very big deal," he said Aug 12, citing reports of "disarray among his people, of other factions manoeuvring" following the apparent death of the Taliban leader. <br /><br />The Pakistani Taliban, an alliance of around 13 militant groups, is blamed for a wave of bomb and suicide attacks across Pakistan, including the one that killed former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.</p>
