ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani Taliban has appointed a new chief, militants said Saturday, selecting a commander known for his ruthless efficiency in staging attacks, including a major hotel bombing and a deadly assault against the Sri Lankan cricket team.
The appointment of 28-year-old Hakimullah Mehsud could herald an increase in attacks as the group tries to prove it is still intact and operational, analysts say. It comes after weeks of speculation and reported infighting among Taliban commanders to replace Baitullah Mehsud, the group’s former chief, who was reportedly killed in an Aug. 5 CIA missile strike in northwestern Pakistan.
The government said it was investigating the reports that Hakimullah Mehsud had been chosen as the Taliban leader.
Two close aides to another commander, Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, told The Associated Press that a 42-member Taliban council, or shura, appointed a new head because Baitullah Mehsud was ill. Several top Taliban commanders have insisted Baitullah Mehsud, no relation to Hakimullah Mehsud, is alive but have provided no proof.
“I do confirm that a shura held Friday . . . has elected Hakimullah Mehsud (as) the new chief of the Taliban,” said one of the aides, Bakht Zada, adding that it was a unanimous decision. “Now, all these talks of differences should end. There have not been any differences ever.”
Pakistan’s Taliban is a loose alliance of disparate groups and tribal factions that Baitullah Mehsud had managed to unify. If true, the selection of Hakimullah Mehsud is likely an attempt to shore up an organization reeling from the loss of its leader, said Kam ran Bokhari, director of Middle East analysis with Stratfor, a global intelligence company.
