Noor Jamal Becomes New Hakeemullah Mehsud

NEW YORK: Maulvi Noor Jamal, a native of the Orakzai tribal region has assumed responsibilities as acting leader of the Pakistani Taliban after death of Taliban leader Hakeemullah Mehsud.

The local residents have claimed that Noor Jamal acting as Taliban chief, the paper reported.

Noor Jamal rose to power as leader of the Taliban in the Kurram tribal area. He was given the additional responsibilities for the adjoining area of Orakzai when the military began an offensive against the Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan in October.

Noor Jamal had been close to Mehsud, one factor that might be in his favor if he does seek to replace him.

Noor Jamal, according to different accounts, is in his late 30s and was a teacher and prayer leader at a local religious school before he was made the leader of the Taliban in Kurram by Mehsud