Pakistani Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar arrested

In the second major catch within a span of few hours, Pakistan arrested Tehrik-e-Taliban's top
spokesman Maulvi Omar in the lawless tribal belt, dealing another blow to the terrorist group weeks after its chief Baitullah Mehsud was reportedly killed in a US missile strike.

Omar and his aides Wahid Gul and Hameedullah were apprehended in Khwazeo village in restive Mohmand Agency last night by security forces with the help of a local 'lashkar' or tribal militia when he was travelling in a car to Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan, TV news channels reported.

He was later handed over to the Frontier Corps.

Omar's arrest came hours after police nabbed another top militant commander Qari Saifullah here.

As the official spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Taliban, Omar, who is believed to be in his 40s, has claimed responsibility on behalf of the group for dozens of suicide attacks and bombings in various parts of the country.

The arrest of the high-profile spokesman, a close aide to Mehsud, was the latest blow to the militants after the Pakistani Taliban chief was reportedly killed in a US drone attack in restive South Waziristan on August 5.

Only last week, Omar had called up media organisations here to deny reports of Baitullah's death.