Islamabad, Aug 10 - Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik Monday confirmed that the Taliban chief in Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud was killed in a US drone attack four days ago, despite claims to the contrary by some Taliban leaders.
All the 'credible information' points to Baitullah Mehsud having died in the Wednesday attack, Malik told National Assembly here, Geo TV reported.
Citing intelligence reports, Malik also said that 'Hakeemullah Mehsud and Waliur Rehman scuffled with each other' after the death of Baitullah.
The minister said the attack on the Taliban chief was conducted in the intervening night of Aug 5 and 6, and 'was a successful one'.
'Baitullah's doctor has also confirmed his presence at the house in the attack night,' Malik added.
The Pakistani minister also told BBC that following the Tehrik-e-Taliban chief's death, the Pakistan Taliban appeared to be in disarray and there were reports of deadly infighting over who should replace Mehsud.
'It will take some time for them to regroup,' Malik said, but expressed concern that Al Qaeda is trying to install someone as Mehsud's replacement.
'The other thing which is a bit worrying is that Al Qaeda is getting grouped in the same place, and now they are trying to find somebody to install him as the leader, as the chief terrorist, in that area,' Malik said.