UPDATE: Mehsud Claims Responsibility for Lahore Attack; 18 Dead

The Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud (pictured has told the BBC that his organization carried out Monday's attack on the Lahore police station, in which 18 people died, ""in retaliation for the continued drone strikes on by the US in collaboration with Pakistan on our people". Eight attackers were among the dead; another four have been detained.

There is a wider significance to Mehsud's statement, missed by the BBC. Last month, a coalition of Pakistani insurgent groups in the Northwest Provinces agreed to suspend attacks within the country, concentrating instead of the fight against American troops in Afghanistan. The news came shortly after reports that Mehsud had been "sacked" by Afghanistan Taliban Mullah Omar for refusing to halt internal operations.

Thus the Obama Administration, as it launches its new strategy for Pakistan, faces some local groups who are devoted to fighting battles in Afghanistan and also the challenge posed within the country by Mehsud. Already a "two-front" war is developing.

Comments

[Josh Mull]

This will come as Big News to Baitullah Mehsud, as I'm pretty sure he's unaware he serves at the pleasure of Mullah Omar, especially since this supposedly happened over a year ago.

[Scott Lucas]

Apologies for lack of clarity. Have amended the post....

[Simon T]

is Mehsud fat? he looks fat in that photo? why do I have difficultly taking a fat Islamist seriously?