Taliban commander shot dead in northwest Pakistan (reportedly by one of his own guards)

[Turborama]

Source: AP

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.

Dr. Mahmood Khan Bitani told The Associated Press that he pronounced Qari Zainuddin dead on arrival at a hospital in the northwest town of Dera Ismail Khan 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 Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah 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.

Earlier this month, Zainuddin denounced Mehsud for recent attacks that have killed civilians.

Read more: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/23/taliban-commander-shot-dead-northwest-pakistan.html

[aquart]

1. A fraternal spat.

[zbdent]

2. wait ... I thought the U.S. had got all the #2s ...

[ohio2007]

3. ..."a guard barged into a room at Zainuddin's compound after morning prayers and opened fire..."

will his tribal family seek revenge or some sort of comeuppance compensation ?

Baitullah rival Qari Zainuddin shot dead in D I Khan
snip


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.



A Taliban faction leader who criticized the militant group’s Pakistani head has been shot dead, reportedly by one of his own guards. Dr. Mahmood Khan Bitani told The Associated Press that he pronounced Qari Zainuddin dead on arrival Tuesday at a hospital in the northwest with gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Baz Mohammad, an aide of the militant leader who also was wounded, says a guard barged into a room at Zainuddin’s compound after morning prayers and opened fire.



Zainuddin’s strong statements against Mehsud in recent days had led to speculation authorities were encouraging him to stand up to his rival, Mehsud.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/provinces/07-baitullah-rival-qari-zainuddin-shot-dead-in-d-i-khan-ha-02

Failure to lockstep with the Taliban party line is NOT an option

[atreides1]

5. Failure to lockstep with the Taliban party line is NOT an option

Sounds like a certain political party we all know and love.:D

[tocqueville]

4. love affairs can turn ugly...nt

[Yupster]

6. These spats can be easily settled

The tribe of the killer kindly provides three 11 year old brides to each elder of the victim's family who's between the ages of 50 and 60.

The going rate for 11 year olds is about three per murder.

[Vidar]

7. Good.

[hugo_from_TN]

8. Good Riddance.