Qari Zainuddin, second from right, the leader of a Taliban faction, accompanied by his bodyguards in Dera Ismail Khan.

The militant commander, the leader of Tehreek e Taliban (Abdullah Mehsud Group), known as Qari Zainuddin, had recently given statements to the media opposing Baitullah Mehsud. He has been assassinated by unidentified gunmen in the north-western town of Dera Ismail Khan.

‘I confirm that Qari Zainuddin has been shot dead,’ Salahuddin, superintendent of police in the city, told Reuters.

Suspicion is likely to focus on Mehsud for Zainuddin’s murder. The government has ordered the military to go on the offensive against Mehsud. The military has launched air strikes on Mehsud’s bases in the South Waziristan region on the Afghan border.

The United States has offered a reward of $5 million on information leading to Mehsud’s location or arrest. Zainuddin’s strong statements against Mehsud in recent days had led to speculation authorities were encouraging him to stand up to his rival, Mehsud.

Image: Dawn