Rival Taliban factions clash over successor choice

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Senior Taliban commanders in Pakistan have denied reports that their leader, Baitullah Mehsud, was killed in a missile strike by the US Central Intelligence Agency.

But conflicting reports have emerged that a gunfight had broken out between Taliban commanders over the choice of a successor.

Some observers say there could be factional infighting within the Taliban.

A Pakistani officer said a fight broke out during a meeting between groups led by one of the Taliban's most powerful commanders, Hakimullah Mehsud, and Waliur Rehman.

Pakistani television reports have said that one or possibly both of the men were killed.

Both are believed to be top contenders to replace the Taliban leader, Baitullah Mehsud, if reports of his death in Wednesday's strike prove true.

Rahimullah Yousafzai, Analyst, said, "It is a good sign for the Pakistani government, because it has been trying to create division in Taliban ranks and I think it is now an opportunity for the Pakistani intelligence that they can create even more splits in Taliban ranks, with Baitullah Mehsud has died."

A senior Pakistani government official said there were reports of a clash among Taliban guards, but NOT leaders, at a meeting on Saturday evening. The reports also claimed that some people were wounded but not killed.