also warn people against keeping contacts with Baitullah or facilitating him in prolonging his rule." |} In response Baitullah Mehsud called Abdullah Mehsud (and indirectly Zainuddin as Abdullah's successor) a "puppet of the government", and said: "Zainuddin and his comrades are cruel robbers and have rebelled against Islam and the [Mehsud] nation." In a June 2009 interview with Geo News, Qari Zainuddin Mehsud said that "Islam cannot spread with the use of force but with invitation," and added that he was against suicide attacks inside Pakistan. He also distanced himself from the TTP by denouncing the organization and reaffirmed his commitment to the cause of Tehrik-e-Taliban Afghanistan. "We are Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan, and we have nothing to do with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan." Zainuddin and Turkestan Bhittani held a jirga with about a hundred Mehsud tribal elders to rally against Baitullah Mehsud. Personal rivalry with Baitullah The rivalry between Qari Zain and Baitullah also had a personal aspect in addition to their respective differences over preferred methods and goals. Baitullah had killed several of Zainuddin's family members, including his father. Just six days before Qari Zainuddin's death he said in interview with Geo TV,"Islam does not allow carrying out activities within Pakistan and this is the main cause that led to the difference with Baitullah Mehsud."He said scholars like Maulana Hasan Jan declared suicide attacks as un-Islamic. The declaration led to the killing of Maulan Hasan by Baitullah.He said "Islam cannot spread with the use of force but with invitation," Qari Zain observed he also clarified, "We are Tehreek-e-Taliban Afghanistan and we have nothing to do with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan,". Assassination On June 23, 2009, Qari Zainuddin Mehsud was killed in Dera Ismail Khan by bodyguard Gulbadin Mehsud, who escaped after the attack. According to Baz Mohammad, who was also wounded and was one of Zainuddin's aides, the gunman attacked immediately following morning prayers. Zainuddin was pronounced dead at the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Mohammad placed blame for the attack upon Baitullah Mehsud. At the funeral, Turkestan Bhittani vowed to continue the fight against Baitullah Mehsud. After the ceremony Zainuddin's brother Misabhuddin was appointed the new leader of the Abdullah Mehsud group. Misabhuddin told BBC News that he would not rest until Baitullah's death and that he would continue the "jihad against American and its allies in Afghanistan." See also Operation Black Thunderstorm References Pashtun people Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan