Taliban installs ruthless leader

THE commander named by members of the Pakistani Taliban as its new leader is as ruthless as his predecessor, taking credit for several attacks, and could order more in the coming weeks to prove the terror network is still in business.

Despite the naming of Hakimullah Mehsud to replace ex-chief Baitullah Mehsud, who is believed to have been killed in a CIA missile strike on August 5, questions remained yesterday as to whether the al-Qaida-allied group was united behind their new leader.

A new Taliban leader could direct more fighters across the border in Afghanistan in the fight against the US and Nato.