Pakistan investigates reported death of Taliban leader

Islamabad: The Pakistani army said on Sunday that it is investigating reports that Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has died from injuries sustained in a US drone missile strike.

Pakistani army spokesman Gen. Athar Abbas said the army is using its agents in Pakistan's northwest where the death is reported to have occurred to try to confirm or deny the reports.

Pakistani state TV reported earlier Sunday that Mehsud died in Pakistan's Orakzai tribal area, where he was being treated for his injuries. It cited "official sources."

Pakistani intelligence officials have said that Mehsud was targeted in a US drone strike on January 14, triggering rumors that the Taliban chief had been injured or killed.

Mehsud issued two audio tapes after the strike denying the rumors.