An photo from 2004 shows Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud. Photo AFPPakistani Taliban Chief Mehsud 'Dead' -- AFP
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan said Friday it believed Baitullah Mehsud, the charismatic commander of the Pakistani Taliban, had been killed in a US drone attack in a major blow for the Islamist militants.
US and Pakistani officials accuse Mehsud of masterminding the 2007 assassination of ex-Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto and blame him for the deaths of hundreds of people in bomb attacks over the past two years.
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MIDDLE EAST
New opposition protest in Tehran.
Scores killed in spate of attacks on Shiites in Iraq.
Major attacks in Iraq since Jan. 1.
Smoking ban in Iraq.
Fatah party holds first internal vote in 20 years.
Diplomat: Public clashes with US damaging Israel.
ASIA
New NATO chief calls for more troops in Afghanistan.
Journalists entered N. Korea, sister says.
Arrest of leader a major blow to Sri Lankan rebels.
Typhoon Morakot lashes Taiwan.
Former Beijing airport boss executed in China.
Nepal Maoists issue new warning.
AFRICA
Clinton says US wants SAfrica to lead. Clinton looks to better ties with South Africa.
Eritrea denies sending weapons to Somali militants.
Hopes fade for survivors of ferry capsize in Tonga.
Massive win for Niger president.
'New era' for DR Congo and Rwanda.
EUROPE
Georgia marks anniversary of war.
German car scrap scheme 'abused'.
Sarkozy summons French bankers on bonuses.
Terror suspects lose extradition case in Britain.
'Great Train Robber' freed from jail.
AMERICAS
Security, drug war on agenda at North America summit.
OAS delegation to visit Honduras.
Brazil oil giant, Petrobras, in corruption spotlight. Scandal puts pressure on a Brazilian leader to step down.
Canada separatists deny rumors that leader to quit.
Protesters clash with UN toops in rural Haiti.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Official: US increasingly certain of Mehsud death. Profile: Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
Death sentence for Mumbai attackers – six years later.
Portugal to resettle 2 Syrians from Guantanamo.
Indonesia suspect 'in shoot-out'.
ECONOMIC/FINANCIAL CRISIS
White House still warns of 10 percent jobless rate.
In last decade, a lack of job growth in the private sector.
German export surge ignites hope.
US boosts car scrappage by $2bn.