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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has reportedly appointed Asmatullah Shaheen Bhittani as the organization's new chief.
The Pakistan Taliban spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid announced that a permanent replacement for the slain leader Hakimullah Mehsud has not been chosen yet and Bhittani would serve as the interim head.
According to Daily Times, Mehsud's death represents a significant blow for the TTP as three commanders of the organization revealed that they had been due to meet a government delegation last week but to discuss the peace talks, however, as they felt betrayed by Mehsud's killing, they were not interested in talks.
The report said that Bhittani, the head of the central shura was close to Mehsud, and has been touted as a potential permanent replacement, as has the movement's number two Khan Said, alias Sajna.
