The U.S. Department of State has authorized a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the location, arrest, and/or conviction of Baitullah Mehsud, the senior leader of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Mehsud is regarded as a key al-Qaeda facilitator in the tribal areas of South Waziristan in Pakistan. Pakistani authorities believe that the January 2007 suicide attack against the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad was staged by militants loyal to Mehsud.
Press reports also have linked Mehsud to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the deaths of other innocent civilians.
In addition, Mehsud has stated his intention to attack the United States. He has conducted cross-border attacks against U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and poses a clear threat to American persons and interests in the region.
The United States is determined to bring Baitullah Mehsud to justice. We encourage anyone with information on Mehsud's location to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, any U.S. military commander, or the Rewards for Justice staff via the website
Government officials are not eligible for rewards based on information furnished in the course of their official duties.
All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Since its inception in 1984, the Rewards for Justice Program has paid more than $80 million to more than 50 persons who have provided credible information that has resulted in the capture or death of terrorists or prevented acts of international terrorism.