US offers $5m head money for Baitullah Mehsud

WASHINGTON: The US State Department has authorised a reward of up to $ 5 million for information leading to the location, arrest, and/or conviction of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistanís leader Baitullah Mehsud.

Mehsud is regarded as a key al Qaeda facilitator in the tribal areas of South Waziristan in Pakistan. Authorities believe that the January 2007 suicide attack against the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad was staged by militants loyal to Mehsud.

Press reports have also linked Mehsud to the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. In addition, Mehsud has stated his intention to attack the United States. The United States is determined to bring Baitullah Mehsud to justice. We encourage anyone with information on Mehsudís location to contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, any US military commander, or the Rewards for Justice staff via the website,the US State Department said. ìGovernment officials are not eligible for rewards based on information furnished in the course of their official duties,î it further said, adding: ìAll information will be kept strictly confidential.