Afghan Taliban condemn Mehsud killing

KABUL: The Afghan Taliban on Saturday described the killing of TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud as "a big loss" and urged Islamabad to prevent any further US drone strikes.

Mehsud, who was under a $5 million US government bounty, was killed when a drone targeted his car in the North Waziristan tribal district.

"Afghanistan strongly condemns this terror act by America and describes the martyrdom of Mullah Hakimullah Mehsud as a big loss," the Taliban said in a statement, using the group's formal name.

"America can not create a vacuum or achieve their evil goals by martyring mujahideen.

"Afghanistan calls on the Pakistani people and government to make more effort than at any other time to prevent such brutal attacks by the American invaders." (AFP)