Taliban chief claims police academy attack

The top Taliban commander in Pakistan claimed responsibility today for yesterday’s deadly attack on a police academy.

He also promised an assault on Washington “soon” – one he said would “amaze” the world.

Baitullah Mehsud made the claims in a phone call to an Associated Press reporter.

The academy attack in Lahore yesterday killed at least seven police officers and two civilians.

The US recently announced a $5m bounty on Mehsud’s head.

Asked about it, he told the AP he would be happy to “embrace martyrdom”.