Breaking News TTP Leader Wali ur Rahman killed in today's Drone Attack

[CENTCOM]

The White House spokesman Jay Carney said, Wali-ur-Rehman “has participated in cross-border attacks in Afghanistan against US and NATO personnel and horrific attacks against Pakistani civilians and soldiers”. These common enemies of ours have been creating havoc on our nations for years. No death should be rejoiced, but the fact remain that this one man has been responsible for thousands of innocent deaths both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is time for all, who oppose senseless violence, to stand united and fight this evil. Peace can only return to the region when these pallbearers of death are defeated.


Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
U.S. Central Command

 

[qamar1990]

The White House spokesman Jay Carney said, Wali-ur-Rehman “has participated in cross-border attacks in Afghanistan against US and NATO personnel and horrific attacks against Pakistani civilians and soldiers”. These common enemies of ours have been creating havoc on our nations for years. No death should be rejoiced, but the fact remain that this one man has been responsible for thousands of innocent deaths both in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is time for all, who oppose senseless violence, to stand united and fight this evil. Peace can only return to the region when these pallbearers of death are defeated.


Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
U.S. Central Command

are you guys centcom or are just pretending to be cent com?

 

[mylovepakistan]

and talibans announce to END any talks with govt.
today you killed one wali-ur-rehman,tomorrow they will produce hundreds out of young kids.....
ENDLESS GAME!

 

[BATMAN]

Was it a good drone or bad drone? Good drone killed bad taliban? Have I got it right?


Good riddance waise.

Definitely a good drone.

Looks like the era of bad drones is over!

It would not end the problem only increase it they are thousands who are ready to replace him and others you would kill one with in a week next leader would be appointed and for sure he would be most deadly and dangerous just like Hakeemullah he proved to be more aggressive and deadly than his predecessor

Can you please.. point where they are... and how they get most advance weapon and militia training?

 

[CENTCOM]

are you guys centcom or are just pretending to be cent com?

Dear Qamar1990,

We are representative of United States Central Command. At CENTCOM are reaching out to audiences on the online community in the Middle East, South and Central Asia in a wide variety of difference languages. We like to participate in discussions so that people on the social media are able to interact with us, ask questions, and share their views and opinions about the topics which pertain to our Area of responsibility. We have been a member of this forum since early 2010. Haroon Ahmad, Abdul Quddus and Ali Khan, regularly participate in discussions with the members of this forum as CENTCOM representatives (yes, we are all real people). If you would like more information about us, what we do and who we are, please visit our Facebook page, our official website, YouTube etc. Please feel free to ask us questions, share your opinions with us or simply give us a “Shout out”.

Introduction: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is a combatant command working with national and international partners to promote development and cooperation among nations, respond to crises, and deter or defeat state and transnational aggression in order to establish regional security and stability. Our area of responsibility includes 20 countries in the Middle East and Central and South Asia.

For more information visit us at:

U.S. Central Command
U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
CENTCOMUrdu - YouTube

Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
U.S. Central Command

P.S. If you still have doubts check with the forum moderators.

 

[RabzonKhan]

Good news. It is confirmed that the scumbag is dead.

Yet another shrewd and evil enemy of Pakistan is dead.




Pakistani Taliban vows to avenge death of No. 2 man


By Zahir Shah Sherazi and Joe Sterling, CNN

updated 11:15 AM EDT, Thu May 30, 2013


Peshawar, Pakistan (CNN) -- The Pakistani Taliban will avenge the group's No. 2 leader, who was slain Wednesday in a drone strike, and won't listen to government peace initiatives, a spokesman said Thursday.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, the group's spokesman, told CNN the group holds the Pakistani government responsible for the death of Wali-Ur Rehman Mehsud.

Rehman is one of seven people slain when a drone struck a target near the town of Miranshah, according to a local official and an intelligence official. The target is in the North Waziristan district of Pakistan's tribal region -- a rugged area with a significant population of militant groups.

The Pakistani Taliban will not accept any offer from the government for a peace dialogue, Ehsan said. Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistani politician who is expected to serve as the next prime minister, has broached the issue of engaging in peace talks with the Pakistani Taliban.
Militants in the tribal region, including the Pakistani Taliban, long have been conducting an insurgency against the Pakistani government.

Rehman -- now buried in a secret North Waziristan location, Ehsan said -- was wanted by the United States on suspicion of being involved in the December 2009 suicide bomb attack that killed seven CIA employees at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan, according to a publication by the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center.

The publication, which described him as the Pakistan Taliban's No. 2 leader and chief military strategist, and said he participated in cross-border attacks in Afghanistan against U.S. and NATO personnel. He was second in command to Hakimullah Mehsud.

Rehman was killed along with his close aide, Fakhar-ul-Islam, and two Uzbek nationals whose identities the sources didn't know.

The United States has long conducted drone strikes in its fight against suspected Taliban and Pakistani jihadist groups in Pakistan near the Afghan border. Before this week, the last reported drone strike in Pakistan was in mid-April. The latest strike was the first known hit since Pakistan held general elections on May 11 and since U.S. President Barack Obama announced his new counterterrorism policy last week.

White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters Wednesday that he couldn't confirm reports of Rehman's death, but he said the militant was wanted for the Khost incident and mentioned his participation in attacks. "It's important to note who this individual is," he said.

Drone strikes have become controversial and unpopular because they have killed civilians, and Pakistan has said it has "serious concerns" over the latest attack.

Pakistan, which describes itself as a front-line state in the fight against terrorism, said it has "consistently maintained that the drone strikes are counterproductive, entail loss of innocent civilian lives, have human rights and humanitarian implications and violate the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and international law."

When Obama discussed drone strikes last week in his counterterrorism address, he said they must be used with more temperance and caution. But, he said, they remain a necessary tool to take on terrorists.

CNN's Zahir Shah Sherazi reported from Peshawar and Joe Sterling wrote and reported in Atlanta.

 

[RabzonKhan]

Can you please.. point where they are... and how they get most advance weapon and militia training?

Read Musharraf's book, In the Line of Fire, you'll get your answers.

 

[BATMAN]

Read Musharraf's book, In the Line of Fire, you'll get your answers.

Musharraf is out of picture now... and this network was strengthened and i read news, where these retards get released from Pakistani jails on regular basis by internationally, awarded judiciary.

 

[qamar1990]

Dear Qamar1990,

We are representative of United States Central Command. At CENTCOM are reaching out to audiences on the online community in the Middle East, South and Central Asia in a wide variety of difference languages. We like to participate in discussions so that people on the social media are able to interact with us, ask questions, and share their views and opinions about the topics which pertain to our Area of responsibility. We have been a member of this forum since early 2010. Haroon Ahmad, Abdul Quddus and Ali Khan, regularly participate in discussions with the members of this forum as CENTCOM representatives (yes, we are all real people). If you would like more information about us, what we do and who we are, please visit our Facebook page, our official website, YouTube etc. Please feel free to ask us questions, share your opinions with us or simply give us a “Shout out”.

Introduction: U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) is a combatant command working with national and international partners to promote development and cooperation among nations, respond to crises, and deter or defeat state and transnational aggression in order to establish regional security and stability. Our area of responsibility includes 20 countries in the Middle East and Central and South Asia.

For more information visit us at:

U.S. Central Command
U.S. Central Command
www.facebook.com/centcomurdu
CENTCOMUrdu - YouTube

Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
U.S. Central Command

P.S. If you still have doubts check with the forum moderators.

how often are you guys recruiting?

 

[EagleEyes]

I expect the drone attacks to continue until the new government setup or if there is a peace deal.

Nonetheless, great news for everyone.

 

[RabzonKhan]

Musharraf is out of picture now

Musharraf's book was published in 2006, the book is an excellent source to understand the war on terror and TTP and Al Qaeda’s nexus.

And you know I'm not an apologist of Musharraf but after reading the book I must admit I gained more knowledge on war on terror, so if you have not read his book I will highly recommend you to read it.

and this network was strengthened and i read news, where these retards get released from Pakistani jails on regular basis by internationally, awarded judiciary.

Most probably you are referring to sectarian terrorist, as far as I know TTP terrorists have never been presented in the courts. All of the TTP terrorists including Muslim Khan (the Swati terrorist) are in Army's custody. Or I'm missing something?

 

[2ndslip]

I hope this swine rots in hell. PAF should find where he is buried and bomb that to ensure he gets no peace!

Our external security is largely assured by the existence of nuclear weapons. Pakistans biggest danger is internal Islamists which should be faced down until they are no more.

 

[fatman17]

Drone Kills Top Taliban Leader and Al Qaeda Ally Wali-ur-Rehman

By Reza Jan

May 30, 2013



Introduction
Wali-ur-Rehman, top Pakistani Taliban leader and al Qaeda ally, was reportedly killed on May 29 in a U.S. drone strike. His death is a serious blow to the enemy and will have a significant impact on the Pakistani Taliban's leadership. It may also suggest a changed view of the nature of the Pakistani Taliban among U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Details of the Strike
The strike reportedly occurred on the morning of May 29 in the village of Chashma, some three kilometers from Miram Shah, the district headquarters of Pakistan's tribal areas' infamous North Waziristan agency.[1] Seven people were reported killed in the strike, Rehman included, and four were wounded. The other six killed were reportedly members of the main Pakistani Taliban faction, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or allied Uzbek militants.[2] Rehman's death has been “confirmed” by several Pakistani intelligence officials and other tribal sources, but the TTP's own official spokesperson so far denies having received reports of his death.[3] The Pakistani government condemned the drone strike, saying that it violated Pakistani sovereignty; the condemnation was issued before reports of Rehman's death emerged, however.[4] The strike was the first inside Pakistan since April 17 and the first since Pakistan's historic general elections on May 11.[5]

Wali-ur-Rehman and the TTP
Wali-ur-Rehman joined the Pakistani Taliban in 2004 and was a founding member of the TTP in 2007.[6] He was its chief military strategist, and had publicly declared the group's loyalty to and cooperation with al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.[7] His stature and long experience within the organization means his loss will be keenly felt and his shoes difficult to fill.

Rehman was the second-in-command of the TTP, serving as principal deputy to the TTP's overall leader, Hakimullah Mehsud. Rehman was also the head of the Mehsud faction, the largest group within the Taliban umbrella organization, which traditionally hails from the group's South Waziristan stronghold.[8] He reportedly also managed the TTP's finances.[9]

Rehman first came to prominence following the death of the TTP's founder, Baitullah Mehsud, in a drone strike in August 2009. He had served Baitullah as a senior deputy.[10] Rehman was a top contender to lead the movement after Baitullah's death, but lost out to Hakimullah Mehsud in a reportedly heated succession process.[11] Rehman had since served as Mehsud's deputy, and the two continued to work together despite frequent reports of falling out over negotiations with the Pakistan government and Mehsud's general bloody-mindedness: Pakistani intelligence officials claimed that, while Mehsud refused to negotiate with the Pakistani government, Rehman was more collected and calculating, supportive of talks with the state, and opposed to Mehsud's wanton pursuit of violence that was reportedly causing fissures within the group.[12]

Despite these reports, no split ever materialized. Both leaders were usually quick to issue joint communiques or appear in videos side by side to deny reports of fresh infighting and reaffirm the organization's integrity and commitment to overthrowing the Pakistani state.[13] In a video released on May 14, just days after Pakistan's general elections, Rehman condemned democracy in the country.[14] In a video released in February 2013, Rehman reaffirmed his loyalty to Mehsud and both leaders reaffirmed the group's common cause with al Qaeda.[15]

Impact and Reactions
Wali-ur-Rehman's death will be keenly felt within the TTP. Few in the movement possess Rehman's credentials or could serve as a counterweight to Hakimullah Mehsud’s strong personality. While reports of disputes between the two leaders were likely overwrought, any moderating influence Rehman might have had on Mehsud will now likely evaporate and be difficult to replace. If Rehman was a strong proponent of talking to the Pakistani government, his death is only likely to embolden the more intransigent factions within the TTP. His death may also be a boon for Mehsud, who will now be able to extend greater control over the network; Mehsud is likely to have the most influence in selecting his new deputy and Rehman's successor to lead the group's Mehsud faction.

Rehman's death will also likely affect the nascent Pakistani government's plans to open negotiations with the TTP. Both the leading parties in Pakistan's recent elections campaigned on platforms of opening a dialogue with the Pakistani Taliban.[16] Rehman's death means the new Pakistani government will be less likely to find a willing partner for talks in the TTP. The TTP may launch fresh attacks across Pakistan to avenge Rehman's killing, which would create new pressures on a Pakistani government preoccupied with other crises, such as critical power shortages and macroeconomic instability.[17]

The strike may also have an impact on Pakistan's relations with the U.S. The Pakistani government has frequently condemned drone strikes on its territory as counterproductive and a violation of its sovereignty.[18] The Peshawar High Court recently ruled drone strikes in Pakistan to be illegal and a war crime and ordered the government to take action against the intruding aircraft or possibly face charges of contempt.[19] Successful strikes against top TTP leaders have met little criticism inside Pakistan in the past and the 2009 strike that killed Baitullah, then public enemy number one, was lauded. Given the strong anti-U.S. and anti-drone sentiment that has developed in Pakistan over the past few years, however, particularly in the lead-up to Pakistan's 2013 general elections, the reaction may now be different.[20]

The incoming Pakistani government, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government taking control in militancy-struck Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, campaigned on promises to negotiate with the TTP and oppose U.S. drone strikes. Given the complicating effect Rehman's death may have on the government's ability to pursue peace negotiations, its response to the attack may be cooler than might otherwise be expected.

The strike is unlikely to lead to a wider fissure between the U.S. and Pakistan, however. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government, while still officially opposed to drone strikes, is more pragmatic and may therefore look the other way on this occasion. The strike will, on the other hand, likely increase pressure on the government to come to new terms with the U.S. on drone strikes. The PML-N has said it plans to renegotiate all agreements with the U.S., including secret ones signed by previous governments.[21] This strike, coming right as the PML-N forms a new government, will likely cause drone opponents to redouble calls for the government to take a stronger line with the U.S.

A Changed Perception of the TTP?
The strike on Rehman may also be indicative of a changed perception of the TTP within the U.S. and/or Pakistani intelligence communities. Much of the reporting claiming that Rehman was a more reasonable interlocutor and amenable to peace talks came from sources within the Pakistani military and intelligence communities and may have been reflective of their desires and attempts to use Rehman to splinter the TTP and bring a major faction in out of the cold.[22] The split never took place, however, and the reporting, in hindsight, looks to be more reflective of the military's wishful thinking than of the realities of Rehman's position on talks. The strike on Rehman, then, could be the manifestation of a revised perception of the TTP as more cohesive than previously hoped for, and Rehman as a target worth striking rather than preserving for strategic effect.

Rehman's high position in the TTP made him an obvious mark for drone strikes. He was a U.S. specially-designated global terrorist with a $5 million bounty on his head, responsible for the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of Pakistani civilians and involved in planning and executing attacks against NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.[23] The Pakistani military, which has suffered thousands of casualties at the hands of the TTP, is probably quietly rejoicing at news of his death and, given its history of cooperating with the U.S. on strikes on top TTP leaders, may have helped provide intelligence for the strike.[24] The Pakistani military has not shown the same enthusiasm for negotiating with the TTP as the government-in-waiting.[25] The death of a leader who might otherwise drag on the charade of negotiations with a green government probably suits many in the military just fine.

Conclusion
The death of Wali-ur-Rehman is a coup for both the Pakistani and U.S. governments. A murderer of thousands, Rehman will be little mourned. Rehman's death is a serious blow to the TTP and al Qaeda, though it will probably not drive a wedge between the groups, since TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud has also affirmed the relationship between the TTP and al Qaeda.[26] Furthermore, given the TTP's experience in bouncing back from the death of its senior leaders, Rehman's death should not be looked upon as a death blow to the organization, though his absence will have a serious impact on the TTP and may sharpen the voice of more intransigent figures within the movement. This change should make it even clearer to Pakistan's leaders that the TTP is not a group that can be easily bargained with or sated. Any destabilizing impact the death of a leader as senior as Rehman is likely to have on the TTP should be taken as a chance to redouble efforts against a group that violently rejects state authority and allies with some of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the region, including al Qaeda. It should not be mourned as the loss of an opportunity to appease a bunch of murderous thugs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------............................................................

[1] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[2] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
[3] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
Tim Craig, “Pakistani officials: U.S. drone strike strike kills 4 militants near Afghan border, first strike since election,” Washington Post, May 29, 2013. Available: Taliban commander reported dead in U.S. drone strike in Pakistan - The Washington Post
[4] “US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[5] Tim Craig, “Pakistani officials: U.S. drone strike strike kills 4 militants near Afghan border, first strike since election,” Washington Post, May 29, 2013. Available: Taliban commander reported dead in U.S. drone strike in Pakistan - The Washington Post
[6] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
[7] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
“TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[8] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
[9] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[13] “Feeling the heat? TTP ready to negotiate but not disarm,” Express Tribune, December 29, 2012. Available: Feeling the heat?: TTP ready to negotiate, but not disarm – The Express Tribune
“TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[14] “TTP official Wali ur-Rehman condemns democracy in new video,” SITE Intel group, May 14, 2013. Available: TTP Official Wali ur-Rahman Condemns Democracy in New Video | SITE Intelligence Group
[15] “TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[16] Yaroslav Trofimov, “Democracy is on Ballot in Pakistan,” Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2013. Available: Tight Race Seen in Landmark Pakistan Election - WSJ.com
[17] Parvez Jabri, “Nawaz Sharif vows to end power crisis; urges for tolerance,” Business Recorder, May 28, 2013. Available: Nawaz Sharif vows to end power crisis; urges for tolerance
Declan Walsh, “Drone strike is said to kill top Pakistani Taliban figure,” New York Times, May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/30/w...r-pakistani-afghan-border.html?pagewanted=all
[18] “Pakistan Condemns Drone Strikes,” AFP, May 24, 2013. Available: Pakistan condemns drone strikes | eNCA
[19] Elizabeth Palmer, “Will Pakistan Court Ruling against U.S. Drone Strikes Force New PM to Stick to Promises?” CBS News, May 13, 2013. Available: Will Pakistan court ruling against U.S. drone strikes force new PM to stick to promises? - CBS News
[20] Madiha Afzal, “Drone Strikes and Anti-Americanism in Pakistan,” Brookings, February 7, 2013. Available: Drone Strikes and Anti-Americanism in Pakistan | Brookings Institution
[21] “PML-N will revisit foreign policy: Sharif's aide,” The Hindu, May 13, 2013. Available: PML-N will revisit foreign policy: Sharif
[22] Mehreen Zehra-Malik, “Exclusive: Emerging Pakistan Taliban chief to focus on Afghan war,” Reuters, December 6, 2012. Available: Exclusive: Emerging Pakistan Taliban chief to focus on Afghan war | Reuters
Bill Roggio, “Pakistani officials promoting false split in Taliban leadership cadres, again,” Long War Journal, December 6, 2012. Available: Pakistani officials promoting false split in Taliban leadership cadres, again - Threat Matrix
[23] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
[24] Declan Walsh, “Drone strike is said to kill top Pakistani Taliban figure,” New York Times, May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/30/w...r-pakistani-afghan-border.html?pagewanted=all
[25] Omar Waraich and Andrew Buncombe, “Pakistan's incoming prime minister Nawaz Sharif reaches out to 'Godfather of the Taliban' Sami ul Haq for help in negotiations with Islamists,” The Independent, May 28, 2013. Available: Pakistan's incoming prime minister Nawaz Sharif reaches out to 'Godfather of the Taliban' Sami ul Haq for help in negotiations with Islamists - Asia - World - The Independent
“Nawaz Sharif calls for Taliban talks,” Dawn, May 20, 2013. Available: Nawaz Sharif calls for Taliban talks | Pakistan | DAWN.COM
[26] “TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group

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Drone Kills Top Taliban Commander Maulvi Nazir

 

[fatman17]

Drone Kills Top Taliban Leader and Al Qaeda Ally Wali-ur-Rehman

By Reza Jan

May 30, 2013



Introduction
Wali-ur-Rehman, top Pakistani Taliban leader and al Qaeda ally, was reportedly killed on May 29 in a U.S. drone strike. His death is a serious blow to the enemy and will have a significant impact on the Pakistani Taliban's leadership. It may also suggest a changed view of the nature of the Pakistani Taliban among U.S. and Pakistani intelligence agencies.

Details of the Strike
The strike reportedly occurred on the morning of May 29 in the village of Chashma, some three kilometers from Miram Shah, the district headquarters of Pakistan's tribal areas' infamous North Waziristan agency.[1] Seven people were reported killed in the strike, Rehman included, and four were wounded. The other six killed were reportedly members of the main Pakistani Taliban faction, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or allied Uzbek militants.[2] Rehman's death has been “confirmed” by several Pakistani intelligence officials and other tribal sources, but the TTP's own official spokesperson so far denies having received reports of his death.[3] The Pakistani government condemned the drone strike, saying that it violated Pakistani sovereignty; the condemnation was issued before reports of Rehman's death emerged, however.[4] The strike was the first inside Pakistan since April 17 and the first since Pakistan's historic general elections on May 11.[5]

Wali-ur-Rehman and the TTP
Wali-ur-Rehman joined the Pakistani Taliban in 2004 and was a founding member of the TTP in 2007.[6] He was its chief military strategist, and had publicly declared the group's loyalty to and cooperation with al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.[7] His stature and long experience within the organization means his loss will be keenly felt and his shoes difficult to fill.

Rehman was the second-in-command of the TTP, serving as principal deputy to the TTP's overall leader, Hakimullah Mehsud. Rehman was also the head of the Mehsud faction, the largest group within the Taliban umbrella organization, which traditionally hails from the group's South Waziristan stronghold.[8] He reportedly also managed the TTP's finances.[9]

Rehman first came to prominence following the death of the TTP's founder, Baitullah Mehsud, in a drone strike in August 2009. He had served Baitullah as a senior deputy.[10] Rehman was a top contender to lead the movement after Baitullah's death, but lost out to Hakimullah Mehsud in a reportedly heated succession process.[11] Rehman had since served as Mehsud's deputy, and the two continued to work together despite frequent reports of falling out over negotiations with the Pakistan government and Mehsud's general bloody-mindedness: Pakistani intelligence officials claimed that, while Mehsud refused to negotiate with the Pakistani government, Rehman was more collected and calculating, supportive of talks with the state, and opposed to Mehsud's wanton pursuit of violence that was reportedly causing fissures within the group.[12]

Despite these reports, no split ever materialized. Both leaders were usually quick to issue joint communiques or appear in videos side by side to deny reports of fresh infighting and reaffirm the organization's integrity and commitment to overthrowing the Pakistani state.[13] In a video released on May 14, just days after Pakistan's general elections, Rehman condemned democracy in the country.[14] In a video released in February 2013, Rehman reaffirmed his loyalty to Mehsud and both leaders reaffirmed the group's common cause with al Qaeda.[15]

Impact and Reactions
Wali-ur-Rehman's death will be keenly felt within the TTP. Few in the movement possess Rehman's credentials or could serve as a counterweight to Hakimullah Mehsud’s strong personality. While reports of disputes between the two leaders were likely overwrought, any moderating influence Rehman might have had on Mehsud will now likely evaporate and be difficult to replace. If Rehman was a strong proponent of talking to the Pakistani government, his death is only likely to embolden the more intransigent factions within the TTP. His death may also be a boon for Mehsud, who will now be able to extend greater control over the network; Mehsud is likely to have the most influence in selecting his new deputy and Rehman's successor to lead the group's Mehsud faction.

Rehman's death will also likely affect the nascent Pakistani government's plans to open negotiations with the TTP. Both the leading parties in Pakistan's recent elections campaigned on platforms of opening a dialogue with the Pakistani Taliban.[16] Rehman's death means the new Pakistani government will be less likely to find a willing partner for talks in the TTP. The TTP may launch fresh attacks across Pakistan to avenge Rehman's killing, which would create new pressures on a Pakistani government preoccupied with other crises, such as critical power shortages and macroeconomic instability.[17]

The strike may also have an impact on Pakistan's relations with the U.S. The Pakistani government has frequently condemned drone strikes on its territory as counterproductive and a violation of its sovereignty.[18] The Peshawar High Court recently ruled drone strikes in Pakistan to be illegal and a war crime and ordered the government to take action against the intruding aircraft or possibly face charges of contempt.[19] Successful strikes against top TTP leaders have met little criticism inside Pakistan in the past and the 2009 strike that killed Baitullah, then public enemy number one, was lauded. Given the strong anti-U.S. and anti-drone sentiment that has developed in Pakistan over the past few years, however, particularly in the lead-up to Pakistan's 2013 general elections, the reaction may now be different.[20]

The incoming Pakistani government, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led provincial government taking control in militancy-struck Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, campaigned on promises to negotiate with the TTP and oppose U.S. drone strikes. Given the complicating effect Rehman's death may have on the government's ability to pursue peace negotiations, its response to the attack may be cooler than might otherwise be expected.

The strike is unlikely to lead to a wider fissure between the U.S. and Pakistan, however. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led federal government, while still officially opposed to drone strikes, is more pragmatic and may therefore look the other way on this occasion. The strike will, on the other hand, likely increase pressure on the government to come to new terms with the U.S. on drone strikes. The PML-N has said it plans to renegotiate all agreements with the U.S., including secret ones signed by previous governments.[21] This strike, coming right as the PML-N forms a new government, will likely cause drone opponents to redouble calls for the government to take a stronger line with the U.S.

A Changed Perception of the TTP?
The strike on Rehman may also be indicative of a changed perception of the TTP within the U.S. and/or Pakistani intelligence communities. Much of the reporting claiming that Rehman was a more reasonable interlocutor and amenable to peace talks came from sources within the Pakistani military and intelligence communities and may have been reflective of their desires and attempts to use Rehman to splinter the TTP and bring a major faction in out of the cold.[22] The split never took place, however, and the reporting, in hindsight, looks to be more reflective of the military's wishful thinking than of the realities of Rehman's position on talks. The strike on Rehman, then, could be the manifestation of a revised perception of the TTP as more cohesive than previously hoped for, and Rehman as a target worth striking rather than preserving for strategic effect.

Rehman's high position in the TTP made him an obvious mark for drone strikes. He was a U.S. specially-designated global terrorist with a $5 million bounty on his head, responsible for the deaths of hundreds if not thousands of Pakistani civilians and involved in planning and executing attacks against NATO and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.[23] The Pakistani military, which has suffered thousands of casualties at the hands of the TTP, is probably quietly rejoicing at news of his death and, given its history of cooperating with the U.S. on strikes on top TTP leaders, may have helped provide intelligence for the strike.[24] The Pakistani military has not shown the same enthusiasm for negotiating with the TTP as the government-in-waiting.[25] The death of a leader who might otherwise drag on the charade of negotiations with a green government probably suits many in the military just fine.

Conclusion
The death of Wali-ur-Rehman is a coup for both the Pakistani and U.S. governments. A murderer of thousands, Rehman will be little mourned. Rehman's death is a serious blow to the TTP and al Qaeda, though it will probably not drive a wedge between the groups, since TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud has also affirmed the relationship between the TTP and al Qaeda.[26] Furthermore, given the TTP's experience in bouncing back from the death of its senior leaders, Rehman's death should not be looked upon as a death blow to the organization, though his absence will have a serious impact on the TTP and may sharpen the voice of more intransigent figures within the movement. This change should make it even clearer to Pakistan's leaders that the TTP is not a group that can be easily bargained with or sated. Any destabilizing impact the death of a leader as senior as Rehman is likely to have on the TTP should be taken as a chance to redouble efforts against a group that violently rejects state authority and allies with some of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the region, including al Qaeda. It should not be mourned as the loss of an opportunity to appease a bunch of murderous thugs.


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[1] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[2] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
[3] Zahir Shah Sherazi, “US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others,” Dawn, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills TTP number two Waliur Rehman, six others - DAWN.COM
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
Tim Craig, “Pakistani officials: U.S. drone strike strike kills 4 militants near Afghan border, first strike since election,” Washington Post, May 29, 2013. Available: Taliban commander reported dead in U.S. drone strike in Pakistan - The Washington Post
[4] “US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[5] Tim Craig, “Pakistani officials: U.S. drone strike strike kills 4 militants near Afghan border, first strike since election,” Washington Post, May 29, 2013. Available: Taliban commander reported dead in U.S. drone strike in Pakistan - The Washington Post
[6] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
[7] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
“TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[8] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
[9] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Mansur Khan Mehsud, “The New Face of the Pakistani Taliban?” ForeignPolicy, April 30, 2010. Available: A Profile of Wali-ur-Rehman - By Mansur Khan Mahsud | The AfPak Channel
“US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: officials,” Reuters, May 29, 2013. Available: US drone strike kills Pakistan Taliban number two: Officials – The Express Tribune
[13] “Feeling the heat? TTP ready to negotiate but not disarm,” Express Tribune, December 29, 2012. Available: Feeling the heat?: TTP ready to negotiate, but not disarm – The Express Tribune
“TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[14] “TTP official Wali ur-Rehman condemns democracy in new video,” SITE Intel group, May 14, 2013. Available: TTP Official Wali ur-Rahman Condemns Democracy in New Video | SITE Intelligence Group
[15] “TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group
[16] Yaroslav Trofimov, “Democracy is on Ballot in Pakistan,” Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2013. Available: Tight Race Seen in Landmark Pakistan Election - WSJ.com
[17] Parvez Jabri, “Nawaz Sharif vows to end power crisis; urges for tolerance,” Business Recorder, May 28, 2013. Available: Nawaz Sharif vows to end power crisis; urges for tolerance
Declan Walsh, “Drone strike is said to kill top Pakistani Taliban figure,” New York Times, May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/30/w...r-pakistani-afghan-border.html?pagewanted=all
[18] “Pakistan Condemns Drone Strikes,” AFP, May 24, 2013. Available: Pakistan condemns drone strikes | eNCA
[19] Elizabeth Palmer, “Will Pakistan Court Ruling against U.S. Drone Strikes Force New PM to Stick to Promises?” CBS News, May 13, 2013. Available: Will Pakistan court ruling against U.S. drone strikes force new PM to stick to promises? - CBS News
[20] Madiha Afzal, “Drone Strikes and Anti-Americanism in Pakistan,” Brookings, February 7, 2013. Available: Drone Strikes and Anti-Americanism in Pakistan | Brookings Institution
[21] “PML-N will revisit foreign policy: Sharif's aide,” The Hindu, May 13, 2013. Available: PML-N will revisit foreign policy: Sharif
[22] Mehreen Zehra-Malik, “Exclusive: Emerging Pakistan Taliban chief to focus on Afghan war,” Reuters, December 6, 2012. Available: Exclusive: Emerging Pakistan Taliban chief to focus on Afghan war | Reuters
Bill Roggio, “Pakistani officials promoting false split in Taliban leadership cadres, again,” Long War Journal, December 6, 2012. Available: Pakistani officials promoting false split in Taliban leadership cadres, again - Threat Matrix
[23] “Wali Ur Rehman,” U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice flier, accessed May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/146936.pdf
[24] Declan Walsh, “Drone strike is said to kill top Pakistani Taliban figure,” New York Times, May 29, 2013. Available: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/30/w...r-pakistani-afghan-border.html?pagewanted=all
[25] Omar Waraich and Andrew Buncombe, “Pakistan's incoming prime minister Nawaz Sharif reaches out to 'Godfather of the Taliban' Sami ul Haq for help in negotiations with Islamists,” The Independent, May 28, 2013. Available: Pakistan's incoming prime minister Nawaz Sharif reaches out to 'Godfather of the Taliban' Sami ul Haq for help in negotiations with Islamists - Asia - World - The Independent
“Nawaz Sharif calls for Taliban talks,” Dawn, May 20, 2013. Available: Nawaz Sharif calls for Taliban talks | Pakistan | DAWN.COM
[26] “TTP releases video interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rehman,” SITE Intel Group, February 8, 2013. Available: TTP Releases Video Interview with Hakimullah, Wali ur-Rahman | SITE Intelligence Group

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[haviZsultan]

The drones have been highly successful in eliminating top commanders of the Taliban. I am very happy that Taliban commander Wali Ur Rehman will not be troubling us any further. I am glad he is dead.

However the timing of this strike couldn't be worse. Wali Ur Rehman was ready to negotiate a peace deal with Pakistan while Hakimullah Mehsud was not. The drone should have targetted Hakimullah Mehsud. I am glad that a terrorist commander is dead but this also means that USA is purposely killing any commander willing to talk peace.

For example the last 2 cases. Nek Mohammed had a peace deal with Pakistan when he was killed in a drone strike. Then there was Maulvi Nazir, he was part of a peace drive of the government and had kept Hakimullah's militants away from Wana tehsil for years and he too was killed at a wrong time.

This will do nothing but trouble Pakistan further. We Pakistanis should have been the ones to eliminate these top commanders of the TTP. The Taliban's top leadership needs to be targetted but it can't just be a coincidence that those who have deals with the government are directly attacked and killed in drone strikes. US wants the fight to be outsourced to Pakistan forever.