Islamabad, Aug 20 - A Taliban leader from a Pakistan-Afghanistan border area has claimed he is now the acting chief of the Pakistani Taliban, while describing Baitullah Mehsud, who Pakistani authorities say was killed in a US drone attack Aug 5, as 'seriously ill'.

Bajaur Agency Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir Mohammad Wednesday declared himself the acting chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), The News International reported.

Mohammad said his decision to take control of the TTP was due to the poor health of Baitullah.

He claimed Baitullah was seriously ill and unable to coordinate with other chapters of the Taliban movement, the report said.

Mohammad had been nominated the TTP deputy chief Dec 14, 2007.

When asked whether his nomination was endorsed by the TTP Shura (council), Mohammad claimed the Shura had never met to make decisions.

'Being the deputy leader of the TTP, I have the right to replace Baitullah when he is unable to work,' the Taliban commander was quoted as saying.