Two Taliban commanders fight to the death over control

Although still denying that their leader, Baitullah Mehsud, is dead, the Taliban held a meeting on Saturday to determine who would be his successor. During the meeting, two top commanders reportedly broke out into a gunfight and died.

The incident occurred after reports that their leader, Baitullah Mehsud, had died in a missile strike by the US Central Intelligence Agency. A meeting was underway on Saturday to determine a possible successor of the group when commanders Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman began to argue. The details of the incident are not available, however, and there are conflicting reports among such sources as Pakistani television, MSNBC, and Pakistani government officials. Pakistani television reports have said that at least one of the men were likely killed, while MSNBC reports that both men died. Government officials refutes the claim that Taliban leaders were involved, and states that some people were wounded but not killed. According to CCTV, "Some observers say there could be factional infighting within the Taliban." Both Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman "are believed to be top contenders to replace the Taliban leader."