Pakistani Taliban commander killed

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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, June 28 (UPI) -- Gunmen shot and killed Pakistani Taliban commander Shakirullah Shakir Monday in the North Waziristan area, an intelligence official said.

Shakir, who had been a spokesman for the Fidayeen-e-Islam faction of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, was attacked as he traveled in a vehicle, The Wall Street Journal reported. The motive for the Shakir killing was not clear.

Pakistan's Nation newspaper reported Shakir, popularly called Kaka, was gunned down in the Qutab Khail area of Miranshah, capital of North Waziristan. The report quoted local sources as saying the gunmen, riding in a vehicle, opened fire on Shakir's vehicle as he traveled to the Mir Ali area.

The report said both Pakistani security forces and the Taliban confirmed Shakir's death. However, no group had yet claimed responsibility.

The Nation said Shakir was involved in training and dispatching suicide bombers throughout the country.

The Long War Journal reported Shakir had claimed credit for running suicide camps and executing suicide attacks in the country.