ISLAMABAD – A feared Taliban commander known for beheading opponents died in custody yesterday from wounds sustained during a fierce firefight with Pakistani security forces last week, the military said.
Sher Muhammad Qasab died after being critically wounded in the gunbattle in Swat Valley, the army’s media centre said in a statement. Qasab’s three sons were killed when he was captured.Qasab is an Urdu-language word meaning ‘butcher.’ He was given the title because of his ruthlessness toward enemies.The arrest of Qasab – who had a bounty of over N$800 000 on his head – was the third from the army’s list of 10 most-wanted Swat militants. Qasab allegedly decapitated many Pakistani troops in Swat when the Taliban was in control.The army offensive against Taliban fighters in Swat has killed more than 1 800 alleged militants, according to the military. It says 330 Pakistani troops also died in operations in the valley.- Nampa-AP
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