Key associate of Pakistan Taliban chief arrested

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- A key associate of Taliban chief Hakimullah Mehsud was arrested in northwest Pakistan Wednesday, local TV channels reported.

Extremist commander Mohammad Shah alias Maamy was arrested in a raid in Du-aaba of District Hungo, North West Frontier Province, the private TV GEO News reported.

Mohammad Shah is a Taliban commander in Du-aaba and known as a key associate of Hakimullah Mehsud, the new chief of the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Mohammad Shah was wanted for attacks on security forces, kidnapping and other crimes.

Another extremist Muslim Khan has also been arrested in Du-aaba previous day, the sources said.

Meanwhile, Hakimullah Mehsud's brother was killed during United States drone attack in northwest Pakistan's tribal regions on Tuesday, according to the Express TV.

Two suspected U.S. drone attacks killed at least 13 Taliban militants, while seven other were killed in air strikes and military action in different parts of Waziristan tribal agency bordering Afghanistan.