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Pakistan Taliban Threatens Wave Of Revenge Attacks


Mullah Fazlullah was named as the Pakistani Taliban's new leader.
Mullah Fazlullah was named as the Pakistani Taliban's new leader.
The Pakistani Taliban is threatening a wave of revenge attacks against the government, one day after naming hard-line commander Mullah Fazlullah as its new leader.

Fazlullah replaces Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in a suspected U.S. drone strike on November 1.

Asmatullah Shaheen, a member of the Taliban leadership council, told Reuters on November 8 that the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), "will target security forces, government installations, political leaders, and police" in retaliation for Mehsud's killing.

Profile: The Pakistani Taliban's New Leader

Shaheen, speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location, said the TTP's main targets included army and government installations in Punjab Province, the stronghold of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Mehsud was reportedly ready to enter negotiations with Pakistani authorities on a possible cease-fire deal when he was killed.

Fazlullah is opposed to any talks with the government.

Based on reporting by Reuters

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