Summary Wali-ur-Rehman had been poised to succeed Hakimullah Mehsud as leader of the TTP.
(Reuters) - A U.S. drone strike killed a senior commander of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in North Waziristan region, three security officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Wali-ur-Rehman had been poised to succeed Hakimullah Mehsud as leader of the TTP, a senior army official based in the South Waziristan tribal region, the group s stronghold, said in December.
The Pakistani Taliban are a separate entity allied to the Afghan Taliban. Known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), they have launched devastating attacks against the Pakistani military and civilians.
Drone casualties are difficult to verify as journalists must have permission from the military to visit the tribal areas along the Afghan border.
Taliban fighters also often seal off the sites of drone strikes immediately so Pakistani journalists cannot see the victims.
