On 10 August 2009, Abdullah al-Wazir, a “jihadi correspondent” for the Shumukh forums, stated that his “private sources in Pakistan” have denied the death of Baitullah Mehsud. These “sources” maintained that Mehsud is in good health and remains operational.
Al-Wazir added that he requested an official video or statement regarding the matter, but did not elaborate on whether such a release is pending.
This corroborates Bill Roggio’s reporting at the Long War Journal that Pakistani claims of Mehsud’s death are suspect.