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Pakistan in 'secret negotiations' with Baitullah Mehsud
A ground assault against the head of the Pakistani Taliban, Baitullah Mehsud, has been delayed due to secret negotiations between him and security forces, according to a senior Pakistani official.
The details of the alleged negotiations are unclear but the Pakistan army has delayed launching attacks against Mr Mehsud after having corralled his stronghold in South Waziristan tribal area.
At least six brigades of Pakistani troops have blocked the four main arteries into Mehsud's fiefdom from where thousands have fled bombing raids and missile strikes from US unmanned drone aircraft.