US won't confirm arrest of Taliban commander

US officials have declined to confirm reports of the arrest of Taliban's top military commander, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. This comes a day after the "New York Times" reported that Pakistani and US intelligence agencies had arrested him.

The White House has refused to comment on the reported arrest of the Taliban's Number Two leader.

The US State Department took a similar line.

Gordon Duguid, State Department Spokesman, said, "Well, I don't have anything for you on this particular press report of the capture. I do, however, want to re-emphasize that the United States and Pakistan work closely together on security issues and combating terrorism that threatens both of our societies."

In the Pakistani city of Quetta, the leader of a movement that supports the Taliban, did not appear too concerned about reports of Baradar's capture.

Mualvi Noor Muhammad says the Taliban has over 20 council members who could replace him.