AfPax Insider

Pakistani Air Force bombing of a target in the South Waziristan town of Ladha, where Pakistani Taliban are entrenched.

The full five-minute video is below.

AfPax Insider

Pakistani Taliban hiding in makeshift bomb shelter as a drone and a warplane fly over the South Waziristan town of Makeen, the occasional base of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

AfPax Insider

An apparent drone overflying the South Waziristan town of Makeen just before a jet bombed targets in the town, a one-time refuge of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

AfPax Insider

An apparent Pakistani warplane flying over the South Waziristan town of Makeen, sometime hideout of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

AfPax Insider

Pakistani Taliban in the South Waziristan village of Ladha firing an anti-aircraft gun at a warplane overhead.

AfPax Insider

Pakistani Air Force bombing of a Taliban position in Ladha.

AfPax Insider

Rubble of house of Ladha Taliban Shameem.

AfPax Insider

Pakistani Air Force bombing of a target in Makeen.

AfPax Insider

Pakistani Taliban Movement (TTP) number two Faqir Mohammad speaking during a June 23 videotaped interview with AfPax Insider.

The Pakistani government today announced a 15 million rupee ($181,000) reward for information leading the capture or death of Mohammad, who also heads the Pakistani Taliban in the Federally Administered Tribal Area of Bajaur.

Mohammad's comments came in an exclusive June 23 videotaped interview with AfPax Insider.

Here are keys comments from Mohammad during the interview:

The main aim of the creation of TTP is to defend Pakistan and Islam, and also to implement the true form of Sharia in Pakistan. Pakistan was basically created in the name of Islam. Pakistan is our own country. We don’t have any plan to occupy Pakistan. If the true of message of TTP is known to Pakistanis, the people as well as the army will raise the voice that they have no other option than to materialize the policies of Taliban in the country.

We believe the USA has invaded and occupied Afghanistan. Mujahideen in Afghanistan are not a new phenomenon. They are there since three decades. They have fought against the Soviet Union, and they know that their country has been invaded. They are the real Mujahideen. They are fighting against the US and allied forces and they don’t need our help. However, if they need our help at some point, then we are ready to assist them. If we have taken any step against the US forces, it might be in the defense or revenge of TTP. It is obvious that America has been making conspiracies against the Taliban ideologies in FATA and also conducting drone attacks. We have the right to defend ourselves against any power in the region.

AfPax Insider

Maulvi Faqir Mohammad holding his AK-47 and walkie-talkie during his interview with AfPax Insider.

As I told you earlier, if the people and rulers of Pakistan get a fair knowledge of the TTP aims and objectives, they themselves will hand over the country to Taliban. In fact, Taliban are the real successors of this country. We ask the US President Obama and also the UK that the threat which you feel is, in fact, due to your own acts and deeds in the Muslim world. The game which they are playing in Iraq, Kashmir, Pakistan and Afghanistan, is actually against the Muslims. Everybody in Pakistan including Mujahideen knows the fact that in the garb of friendship, USA has been trying to implicate Pakistan. We are taking great care in taking any steps. We want to defend both Islam and Pakistan. God Willing, Pakistan will prove a super power of the world. In reality, the ideologies of Pakistani army is also for the defense of Islam and Pakistan. There is a possibility that Pakistani army could be exploited by some forces for a short span against Taliban or Mujahideen. But soon they will realize the reality and will change their stance.

We ask President Zardari and other rulers of Pakistan that you should straight away tell the United States and Allied forces what you might be telling them in the end, so that the country is saved from more destruction and crises. Our opinion is that the Pakistani army cannot win this war against the Taliban or Mujahideen. The reason is that Pakistani army has the same ideology which the Taliban have. Every military man enters the army with the concept of defending Islam and Pakistan. The Pakistani army is not contented with this fight. And unless you are contented with your cause, you cannot win the fight. Wherever there has been military operation or drone attacks against the Taliban, their number and resistance has been increased. This has also helped Taliban in making their war strategies more sophisticated. May be Almighty Allah wants us to fight against the non-believers worldwide.

AfPax Insider

Maulvi Faqir Mohammad speaking during an AfPax Insider interview.

Afghan Taliban have no role in this. We don’t need their help. Though the cause of Afghan Taliban and TTP is the same but we are an independent entity. Pakistan is a separate country and there is a border between the two countries. TTP is a sovereign and the strongest movement as against all other Jihadi movements. The whole world of non-believers is posing a challenge for the TTP. But we are strong enough. We don’t need anybody help. However, if we felt need for help from the Afghan Taliban, then on the advice of our elders we may take any required step.

In fact, war is not any solution to the problem. The ongoing war will not be a war against Taliban but it may prove to be a war against the existence of Pakistan. Pakistan should realize its mistake of waging war against Taliban. It should repent on its old tactics and should change its policies. It is the policy of USA to engage Pakistan in fighting against its own people. Same was the case in Badr War when the Satan came and patted the non-believers for fighting against the Muslims but when the war started the Satan fled away and left them alone. Likewise, USA wants to create an eternal war in Pakistan and then left Pakistan on its own. But God Willing, we will be taking every step with extreme care. Right now, Pakistan is faced with immense external pressures. But we will be trying to get out Pakistan from these crises.

AfPax Insider

Freeze frame image from AfPax Insider's videotaped interview this month with Qari Zainuddin Mehsud, who was assassinated today after denouncing Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

A Pakistani Taliban leader was assassinated Tuesday morning, days after he publicly denounced Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.

A Pakistani source tells AfPax Insider Qari Zainuddin was shot in the head and killed by a bodyguard, Gulbadeen Mehsud, while sleeping at 715am Pakistan time in the North West Frontier Province town of Dera Ismail Khan.

The assassination came just days after Zainuddin granted AfPax Insider his first TV interview, in which he criticized Baitullah Mehsud for being at war on the Pakistani government and using suicide bombers.

See the videotaped Urdu-language interview here.

Here is an English-language translation of the full 14-minute interview:

AfPax: Please introduce yourself.

Zainuddin: My name is Qari Zainuddin Mehsud. I am leader of Abdullah Mehsud Group.

AfPax: Which Mujahdin group do you belong?

Zainuddin: I belong to Therik E Taliban Afghanistan, Mullah Omar..

AfPax: Which Mujahdin leader impresses you?

Zainuddin: Mullah Omar.

AfPax: Do you have contacts with Al Qaeda, have you ever met any of Al Qaeda leader?

Zainuddin: When Abdullah Mahsud was alive, he had plenty of contacts with Al Qaeda. When martyred Molana Masood Rehaman was Amir, he also martyred later due to differences with Baitullah Mehsud we caught into big troubles, consequently we lost the contact.

AfPax: Have you ever had contact or meeting with Mullah Omar?

Zainuddin: Not with him but we meet his people who come here in South and North Waziristan, and meet other organization. But about Mullah Omar I have no idea I never met or saw him.

AfPax: Ever you had chance to meet Al Qaeda leader like Bin Laden or Al Zawahiri?

Zainuddin: I already told you after the death of Abdulah Mahsud we didn't have any contact with them.

AfPax: With which mujahdin organization you are affiliated, in Afghanistan or group like Jaish E Muhammad?

Zainuddin: We have trust on Ameer Ul Momineen (leader of faithfuls) Mullah Omar.

AfPax: How effective is your group right now, I mean what is your strength?

Zainuddin: Earlier when we were in Shagai it was small number now we are in thousands.

AfPax: Do you have presence in other parts of tribal areas other than Waziristan?

Zainuddin: We do have contacts in Khyber and Mohmand Agencies, they do come here, but do not participate in TTP's activities.

AfPax: What is view about Jihad?

Zainuddin: Look, this on going problem, specially in FATA area, what TTP is doing in our view it is not jihad rather it is, it is criminality. Islam is religion of peace not of torture, it teaches peace. Jihad is against atrocities and infidelity but these activities against the country and nation, we are against it and do not regard it jihad.

AfPax: Would you support development in tribal areas?

Zainuddin: Yes, absolutely because it is duty of every male and female to obtain knowledge and education.

AfPax: There are reports about operation in Mehsud areas against TTP and Baitullah, will you support it?

Zainuddin: No, but Baitullah is engaged in cruelties to save his power, as you know, he killed religious scholars and our elders only for this. We only appeal government to avoid civilian killing but we will not become party in it.

AfPax: You are also a player in tribal areas, now if this operation starts, have you made your mind to stay neutral or support government?

Zainuddin: We are in peace agreement with government same we had with Baitullah, Molvi Nazir and Gul Bahadur. We shall suggest the government to restrain from violence we also maintain peace in our areas.

AfPax: What are your basic differences with TTP? Let us talk about it in detail.

Zainuddin: TTP made several times offer us to join them, but they wanted us to disband our group. They time and asked ask us to agree with all their activities. But in our view they are engaged in atrocities not Jihad. Islam dose not permit these suicide attacks in mosques, markets and hospitals. We are against the attacks within the country and on nation which has distorted the peace. These are the basic reasons of conflict.

AfPax: How look at the efforts of peace jirga of Mahsud tribes to bring peace in South Waziristan?

Zainuddin: I earlier sent message to the jirga members that if you want to to hold negotiations, then come and join those who are on right path. Let's keep the government aside and tribe and our partners join hand to expel the miscreants from the area to restore the peace. Don't take side with these criminals otherwise you will face trouble from our side.

AfPax: All the world is looking towards South Waziristan, specially Europe, NATO forces and US are in Afghanistan. If in future NATO and US forces intervene in tribal areas and come into Waziristan, what will be your reaction?

Zainuddin: As I said Jihad is against excesses and atrocities. If any foreign force attack son our country we will fight with our fullest.

AfPax: What do you say about Drone attacks?

Zainuddin: I am against it and also appeal Pakistan Government to make efforts to stop it because it also kills innocent people.

AfPax: There are also foreigners, specially arabs, with Baitullah Mehsud and helping him in fighting how you look at them that they re supporting him or you also have sympathies for them and ever you tried to make contacts with them?

Zainuddin: We are out of Mahsud areas from one years, I don't have knowledge about foreigners' presence but I do know about Uzbek fighters who are with Baitullah and also take part in fighting, about Turkeman or Arabs I don't know about them.

AfPax: What you say about recent Swat operation that Taliban are flushed out from there?

Zainuddin: There had a peace deal government also accepted their demand of Shariat, but the miscreants specially Baitullah's people destroyed the peace.

AfPax: What is your stand about suicide bombing, do you also have suicide bombers?

Zainuddin: Sure, we do have them but religious scholars don't allow it. When they ask us we'll be ready for that.

AfPax: There is an information that you have contacts with Mullah Mansoor Dad Ullah in Afghanistan. You don't have any alliance with him or you are working only Pakistanis and Talibans from the area?

Zainuddin: No. Look, let me give an example, if your home caught fire and also the house in neighbor is on fire then it is your duty to take care of your home first. Right now we sure support Taliban Movement in Afghanistan but our county and area facing lots of hardship.

AfPax: Right now there is no development happening in South Waziristan. They don't allow any NGO. If you get control of the area what message will you like to give Mehsud Tribes about your polices would be different then TTP?

Zainuddin: If I got control of the area I would bring the old system of elders and jirga back, I don't want to rule the people or run a government.

AfPax: Do you think if you start governing the area, like TTP is running a government, it will distract you from real jihad?

Zainuddin: No, it does not make any difference. Real and sincere mujahid do fight otherwise.

AfPax: Do you like to give any message to the Mehsud Tribes and peace jirga which also met today?

Zainuddin: As I said earlier, I would appeal Mehsuds to side with our people to restore peace. I appeal to my tribe to stop helping Baitullah. I announce general amnesty for my organization for those unarmed people who cooperated with him in past in the form of providing him funds. If some one do it in future he will be our target. AfPax: Recently thousands of people who have moved out of area, we observed that there are no arrangements for them from government to help them. They are trying to find rental homes. Did your group try to help them or you have any plan for that?

Zainuddin: Yes we will help them. I also appeal government to arrange camps for them like it is done for people from Swat.

In an exclusive interview with AfPax Insider a few days ago in Waziristan, Mehsud tribesman Qari Zianuddin, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban Abdullah Mehsud Group, explained why he's challenging Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud's leadership and denouncing him as a traitor and a criminal.

Here is an English-language translation of the full 14-minute Urdu-language interview:

AfPax: Please introduce yourself.

Zainuddin: My name is Qari Zainuddin Mehsud. I am leader of Abdullah Mehsud Group.

AfPax: Which Mujahdin group do you belong?

Zainuddin: I belong to Therik E Taliban Afghanistan, Mullah Omar..

AfPax: Which Mujahdin leader impresses you?

Zainuddin: Mullah Omar.

AfPax: Do you have contacts with Al Qaeda, have you ever met any of Al Qaeda leader?

Zainuddin: When Abdullah Mahsud was alive, he had plenty of contacts with Al Qaeda. When martyred Molana Masood Rehaman was Amir, he also martyred later due to differences with Baitullah Mehsud we caught into big troubles, consequently we lost the contact.

AfPax: Have you ever had contact or meeting with Mullah Omar?

Zainuddin: Not with him but we meet his people who come here in South and North Waziristan, and meet other organization. But about Mullah Omar I have no idea I never met or saw him.

AfPax: Ever you had chance to meet Al Qaeda leader like Bin Laden or Al Zawahiri?

Zainuddin: I already told you after the death of Abdulah Mahsud we didn't have any contact with them.

AfPax: With which mujahdin organization you are affiliated, in Afghanistan or group like Jaish E Muhammad?

Zainuddin: We have trust on Ameer Ul Momineen (leader of faithfuls) Mullah Omar.

AfPax: How effective is your group right now, I mean what is your strength?

Zainuddin: Earlier when we were in Shagai it was small number now we are in thousands.

AfPax: Do you have presence in other parts of tribal areas other than Waziristan?

Zainuddin: We do have contacts in Khyber and Mohmand Agencies, they do come here, but do not participate in TTP's activities.

AfPax: What is view about Jihad?

Zainuddin: Look, this on going problem, specially in FATA area, what TTP is doing in our view it is not jihad rather it is, it is criminality. Islam is religion of peace not of torture, it teaches peace. Jihad is against atrocities and infidelity but these activities against the country and nation, we are against it and do not regard it jihad.

AfPax: Would you support development in tribal areas?

Zainuddin: Yes, absolutely because it is duty of every male and female to obtain knowledge and education.

AfPax: There are reports about operation in Mehsud areas against TTP and Baitullah, will you support it?

Zainuddin: No, but Baitullah is engaged in cruelties to save his power, as you know, he killed religious scholars and our elders only for this. We only appeal government to avoid civilian killing but we will not become party in it. AfPax: You are also a player in tribal areas, now if this operation starts, have you made your mind to stay neutral or support government?

Zainuddin: We are in peace agreement with government same we had with Baitullah, Molvi Nazir and Gul Bahadur. We shall suggest the government to restrain from violence we also maintain peace in our areas.

AfPax: What are your basic differences with TTP? Let us talk about it in detail.

Zainuddin: TTP made several times offer us to join them, but they wanted us to disband our group. They time and asked ask us to agree with all their activities. But in our view they are engaged in atrocities not Jihad. Islam dose not permit these suicide attacks in mosques, markets and hospitals. We are against the attacks within the country and on nation which has distorted the peace. These are the basic reasons of conflict.

AfPax: How look at the efforts of peace jirga of Mahsud tribes to bring peace in South Waziristan?

Zainuddin: I earlier sent message to the jirga members that if you want to to hold negotiations, then come and join those who are on right path. Let's keep the government aside and tribe and our partners join hand to expel the miscreants from the area to restore the peace. Don't take side with these criminals otherwise you will face trouble from our side.

AfPax: All the world is looking towards South Waziristan, specially Europe, NATO forces and US are in Afghanistan. If in future NATO and US forces intervene in tribal areas and come into Waziristan, what will be your reaction?

Zainuddin: As I said Jihad is against excesses and atrocities. If any foreign force attack son our country we will fight with our fullest.

AfPax: What do you say about Drone attacks?

Zainuddin: I am against it and also appeal Pakistan Government to make efforts to stop it because it also kills innocent people.

AfPax: There are also foreigners, specially arabs, with Baitullah Mehsud and helping him in fighting how you look at them that they re supporting him or you also have sympathies for them and ever you tried to make contacts with them?

Zainuddin: We are out of Mahsud areas from one years, I don't have knowledge about foreigners' presence but I do know about Uzbek fighters who are with Baitullah and also take part in fighting, about Turkeman or Arabs I don't know about them.

AfPax: What you say about recent Swat operation that Taliban are flushed out from there?

Zainuddin: There had a peace deal government also accepted their demand of Shariat, but the miscreants specially Baitullah's people destroyed the peace.

AfPax: What is your stand about suicide bombing, do you also have suicide bombers?

Zainuddin: Sure, we do have them but religious scholars don't allow it. When they ask us we'll be ready for that.

AfPax: There is an information that you have contacts with Mullah Mansoor Dad Ullah in Afghanistan. You don't have any alliance with him or you are working only Pakistanis and Talibans from the area?

Zainuddin: No. Look, let me give an example, if your home caught fire and also the house in neighbor is on fire then it is your duty to take care of your home first. Right now we sure support Taliban Movement in Afghanistan but our county and area facing lots of hardship.

AfPax: Right now there is no development happening in South Waziristan. They don't allow any NGO. If you get control of the area what message will you like to give Mehsud Tribes about your polices would be different then TTP?

Zainuddin: If I got control of the area I would bring the old system of elders and jirga back, I don't want to rule the people or run a government.

AfPax: Do you think if you start governing the area, like TTP is running a government, it will distract you from real jihad?

Zainuddin: No, it does not make any difference. Real and sincere mujahid do fight otherwise.

AfPax: Do you like to give any message to the Mehsud Tribes and peace jirga which also met today?

Zainuddin: As I said earlier, I would appeal Mehsuds to side with our people to restore peace. I appeal to my tribe to stop helping Baitullah. I announce general amnesty for my organization for those unarmed people who cooperated with him in past in the form of providing him funds. If some one do it in future he will be our target. AfPax: Recently thousands of people who have moved out of area, we observed that there are no arrangements for them from government to help them. They are trying to find rental homes. Did your group try to help them or you have any plan for that?

Zainuddin: Yes we will help them. I also appeal government to arrange camps for them like it is done for people from Swat.