Hakeemullah, who commands Taliban forces in Arakzai, Kurram, Khyber and in so regions in Peshawar, called reports of Baitullah’s death “ridiculous” and said the US and Pakistan sought to divide the Taliban.

“The news regarding our respected chief is propaganda by our enemies,” Hakeemullah told BBC…

Hakeemullah refused to answer questions as to why he did not immediately deny reports of Baitullah’s death, and said the Taliban leader decided to emulate al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by remaining silent…

Qari Hidayatullah told Pajhwok Afghan News that Baitullah is alive and evidence would soon be presented to prove it.

“He is very much alive and fit,” Hidayatullah said. “Our shura has decided to provide the media a video of Baitullah Mehsud in two or three days as evidence of his being alive.”