Taliban Commander Shot Dead in Pakistan

Associated Press ^ | Tuesday, June 23, 2009 | AP

[Pistolshot]

ISLAMABAD — A Taliban faction leader who criticized the militant group's Pakistani head over attacks that killed civilians was fatally shot Tuesday, reportedly by one of his own guards.

The attack on Qari Zainuddin appeared to be a sign that divisions within the Taliban have broken into the open as they come under military assault. The army is clearing out militants from the Swat Valley and has been pounding strongholds of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud in the South Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan in apparent preparation for a major offensive.

Zainuddin was gunned down in nearby town of Dera Ismail Khan. He had emerged as Mehsud's chief rival.

Dr. Mahmood Khan Bitani told The Associated Press that he pronounced Zainuddin dead on arrival at a local hospital with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

Baz Mohammad, an aide of the militant leader who also was wounded, said a guard barged into a room at Zainuddin's compound after morning prayers and opened fire. He accused Mehsud of being behind the attack.

"It was definitely Baitullah's man who infiltrated our ranks, and he has done his job," Mohammad told AP, vowing to avenge the death.

A spokesman for Mehsud could not immediately be reached for comment on the accusation.

Bahawal Khan, the area police official, confirmed the slaying, as did Sher Mohammad, an uncle of Zainuddin. Aides said the guard had gotten closer to Zainuddin about four months ago. He fled after the attack in a waiting car, they said.

[Pistolshot]

The Tallys are starting to shoot each other. Terrible, ain't it?

[Pistolshot]

Now, he is worm food.

[Joe Boucher]

One of his guards need to off Iran’s i’manutjob.

[SMARTY]

Perfect!

[Skooz]

kewl

[Freeport]

Say it along with me folks! Ah-la Simpsons style! And-a one, A-two, A-three!

HA HA!

[Pistolshot]

ALLAH FUBAR!!!!!