Hakimullah Mehsud killed in drone strike

FILE -- In a Nov. 26, 2008 file photo Hakimullah Mehsud is seen flanked by his comrades in Orakzai tribal region of Pakistan. Mehsud spoke to reporters Sunday Oct. 4, 2009 and vowed to retaliate against the U.S. and Pakistan for drone attacks along the Afghan border. (AP Photo/Ishtiaq Mehsud/file) NICAID:111237415

At a time when the Pakistan government is claiming it has set in motion a process of talks with militants, news reports say that a U.S drone strike in North Waziristan on Friday killed Hakimullah Mehsud, head of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to reports‚ two missiles were fired on a house in Dande Darpa Khel area killing four people. However, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior and others from the military say the news is not yet confirmed.

The Dawn newspaper quoted Pakistani intelligence officials as having reported to their higher-ups that the Pakistani Taliban chief was leaving a meeting at a mosque in Dande Darpa Khel when the drone targeted his vehicle.

Mehsud was anointed head of the TTP in August 2009 after the death of former leader Baitullah Mehsud in a drone strike. He carries a reward of $5 million reward on his head as a Most Wanted Terrorist.