Sedalia, Missouri -- House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement on the likely killing of the Taliban’s top leader in Pakistan, Baitullah Mehsud:

            "If confirmed, the death of Baitullah Mehsud, the top Taliban leader in Pakistan, is a major blow to al Qaeda’s efforts to destabilize Pakistan and the region.  It is a sign that our joint efforts with Pakistan’s military to combat al Qaeda and other terrorists are working.  And, it serves as a reminder to al Qaeda and the Taliban that the United States of America will track them and hold them accountable for their actions.

            "I praise the men and women of our military and of our intelligence services for carrying out this important mission.  We have the best and the brightest working each day to protect our people and American interests throughout the world."

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