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Born at the Crest of the Empire

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Rounding up Beithullah Mehsud's organization

Two top Beithullah Mehsud lieutenants have been arrested by the Pakistanis in the last 24 hours, sub commander Qair Saifullah and, today, Mehsud's spokesman, Maulvi Umar.

This really makes me wonder about the intelligence. Did someone turn inside the Mehsud structure? Or, maybe a power rival is turning these guys in to try and seize control?

Later: The BBC adds this bit on the "spokesman," "He has been acting as a liaison between the various Taliban groups to settle differences."

2 Comments:

  • I don't think a rival would have all the safe house info that would have to be provided. It sounds like someone inside.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:40 AM  

  • I don't know. Mehsud was umbrella commander, so one of the underlings now competing might know some of the stuff. Also, the "spokesman" was actively working with the current strivers for the throne.

    But, I go back to the first NYTimes story on the MEhsud death where they reported that the death was suspected legitimate because electronic intercepts showed communications which said he was dead. So, at that point, they had some electronic monitoring on them (although the article never said who the taps were on. could have been the ISI for all we know.).

    I'm just curious that after all this time, they suddenly seem to have this trove of information. you know?

    By Blogger mikevotes, at 8:08 AM  

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