Mustafa Abu Yazid from an al Qaeda tape released on Oct. 4. Pakistan claimed Yazid was killed in a battle in Bajaur last summer. (Photo from the Long War Journal)From The Long War Journal:
A senior Taliban or al Qaeda leader may have been killed in the Oct. 2 airstrike in North Waziristan, according to unconfirmed reports from Pakistan. But without confirmation from either the Taliban or the US, reports from Pakistani officials should be viewed as suspect.
The US carried out two separate strikes in North Waziristan on Oct. 2. Both strikes hit tribal areas in North Waziristan run by the Haqqani family. The strike in Mohammed Khel is reported to have killed 23, including 16 or more "Arab" al Qaeda members.
"The Taliban appeared extra-perturbed over the latest strike," the The Associated Press reported, based on anonymous Pakistani intelligence sources. "The anger was a signal that a senior militant may have been killed, but that has yet to be confirmed, the officials said."
Taliban fighters are "moving aggressively in the area while using harsh language against locals, including calling them "saleable commodities" — a reference to people serving as government spies," AP reported. The Taliban have surrounded the attack site and are keeping locals away.
Read more ....
Update: Taliban said to be furious over US strike -- AP
My Comment: Bill Roggio presents a very convincing case on how sloppy and unprofessional Pakistani Intelligence has become in verifying the deaths of senior enemy combatants. This report once again reasserts my own personal suspicion and doubt ....and I hope for the reader also .... when it comes to reading reports from the media and the government in Pakistan.
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