Pakistani Taliban admit Mehsud killed in US strike

Two commanders of the Pakistani Taliban said the militants’ top leader, Baitullah Mehsud, is dead.

They said he died from wounds from a U.S. missile strike.

The statements by two of Mehsud’s top deputies are the first time the militants have acknowledged his death, first reported shortly after the Aug. 5 missile strike near the Afghan border.

Hakimullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman called The Associated Press on Tuesday evening to make the announcement.

They said Baitullah Mehsud was wounded in the missile attack but only died Sunday.