Who is known to have died?
the leader of Pakistan's Taliban
How do they know?
because he has not appeared in public to prove that he is alive
Has the death been confirmed?
No
Why not?
because of an ongoing power struggle over his successor
What was the leader's name?
Baitullah Mehsud
When was Mehsud allegedly killed?
August 5
How is the government testing the claim?
DNA tests
Does the government think they'll be successful?
No
Why not?
not enough genetic material would be left behind
Does anyone claim Mehsud isn't dead?
Yes
Who?
Maulvi Umar
Who is he?
a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban
What does Umar say about Mehsud?
he is alive, but ill
Did Mehsud often go on tv?
No
How did he allegedly die?
in a U.S. missile strike
What's the name of the U.S. envoy making the claim?
Richard Holbrooke
What does he say the death has caused?
a succession crisis
Does any other Taliban spokesman disagree with Umar?
Yes
Who?
unknown
What does the other spokesman say?
Mehsud is dead and a mourning period is underway