Taliban Commander Shot Dead in Northwest Pakistan

Associated Press via North County Times ^ | June 23, 2009 | Paul Alexander - Associated Press

[Lancey Howard]

ISLAMABAD -- A Taliban faction leader who was seen as the chief rival to the militant group's Pakistani head 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.

Also Tuesday, suspected U.S. missiles hit a suspected Taliban training center, then more missiles hit an evening funeral procession for some of those killed in the earlier strikes, officials and witnesses said. Nine people were killed and several more wounded.

At least seven people were killed when three suspected U.S. missiles hit the training center in the village of Najmarai in the Makeen area of South Waziristan, said two intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to media.

Hours later, four more missiles blasted into a funeral procession for some of those killed in the earlier strike, killing two.

[Lancey Howard]

(( ping ))

Lots of cool stuff in here.

[Redleg Duke]

I love a happy ending!

[downtownconservative]

“... suspected U.S. missiles hit a suspected Taliban training center...”

Suspected Taliban suspects were suspectedly killed in the suspected prossess...I suspect.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

then more missiles hit an evening funeral procession for some of those killed in the earlier strikes

Tomorrow, when they have the funeral for these guys, we can send in more missiles. Then, the next day...(I like where this is going.)

[HardStarboard]

>>>Suspected Taliban suspects were suspectedly killed in the suspected prossess...I suspect.<<<

Your a suspicious individual.

[RedRover]

Wonderful bedtime reading! Thanks, Lance!

[ArtyFO]

According to NY Slimes 60 people killed at funeral.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/world/asia/24pstan.html?hp

[jws3sticks]

reportedly by one of his own guards

Fragging is a very good thing.

[jazusamo]

Interesting stuff, Lancey. It’s good when they start killing each other.

Thanks for the ping.

[Lancey Howard]

I don’t know which I prefer more for missle strikes - - funerals or wedding parties.

[smoothsailing]

Excellent! Get on the phones and send in the drones!!!

[gandalftb]

The assassin was Gulbuddin Mehsud, had been working with Zainuddin’s family for six years and was one of their most trusted bodyguards.

[Lancey Howard]

Thanks for the info. “Et tu, Gulbuddin?”

[PhilDragoo]

Hours later, four more missiles blasted into a funeral procession for some of those killed in the earlier strike, killing two.

The new Miranda missile.

Yes, Sir, they were properly Mirandized.

[BOBTHENAILER]

Results of the new MIRANDA missile:

The dead may have included top commanders for Mr. Mehsud. The Geo Television Network, quoting unnamed sources, said that the dead included a trainer of suicide bombers named Qari Hussain as well as a Taliban commander named Sangeen, though there was no way to immediately verify the report.

Motto of the new MIRANDA missile:

You have the right to remain SILENT FOREVER

WE HEREBY BRING YOU THAT RIGHT

[PhilDragoo]

Heh heh.