Pakistan: Indications of Diminished Taliban Infighting

The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) acknowledged the death of former TTP leader Baitullah Mehsud for the first time Aug. 25. While conflicting statements from TTP officials have suggested the group has been experiencing infighting, the new announcement indicates the TTP could be getting its house in order — though the various Taliban commanders within the group might wind up acting with greater autonomy. The next step for the Pakistani militant group to prove its internal cohesion is likely to consist of further attacks, explaining the recent urgency behind Islamabad's anti-Taliban operations.