Pakistani security forces have arrested Maulvi Omar, an important Taliban leader and spokesman. He was caught on Monday in northwestern Pakistan. His real name is said to be Sayed Mohammad and he is seen as a loyal supporter of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

Mehsud was reportedly killed two weeks ago in a missile strike by an unmanned United States drone on his father-in-law's house. His supporters claim that he survived the missile attack and that he is simply slightly ill.

Mehsud's Pakistani Taliban group has been behind a number of suicide attacks and, as spokesman, Omar often claimed responsibility for them. The group has been blamed for attacks including the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto. However, the Taliban have always denied being behind her death.

photo: Taliban fighters (flickr/Pimp Daddy Playa)