According to Pakistani government officials, al Qaeda’s chief in Paksitan was killed on Thursday following a US drone strike in
North Waziristan.
The officials further added, Badar Mansoor, who reputedly sent fighters to Afghanistan was killed during the strike.
A senior Pakistani official quoted by AFP said, “He died in the missile attacks overnight in Miranshah. His death is a major blow to Al-Qaeda’s abilities to strike in Pakistan.”
His death was also confirmed by a Pakistan Taliban commander.
Reuters News Agency quoting the Taliban commander said, “He was living in a small rented house with his wife and children in Miranshah. He, his wife and two other members of his family died on the spot.”
Intelligence officials in Miranshah, the main town of North Waziristan, said Mansoor whose first name is also sometimes spelled Badr had been killed, but other Pakistani officials were divided.
At least 3 other militants were also killed during the drone strike in Miranshah Market.
This comes as at least 0 people were killed and several others injured in the drone strike in North Waziristan.
The back-to-back strikes could be an indication the drone program is picking up steam again after a slowdown caused by tensions with Pakistan over accidental American airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last year.
