Taliban's Radio Mullah ‘killed in Afghan battle’

Officials are investigating reports that a leader of the Pakistani Taliban was killed during fighting in the mountains of east Afghanistan.

Maulana Fazlullah was nicknamed the "Radio Mullah" for his anti-Western radio broadcasts. He was the Taliban commander in the Swat Valley until Pakistan's army routed insurgents there last year.

About 400 Afghan police, supported by local militia, have been trying to fend off an attack by hundreds of insurgents in eastern Nuristan province for five days.

At least seven militants and one police officer have died so far, and Fazlullah was reported dead after heavy fighting this morning.

Police spokesman Farooq Khan said government forces were running short of food and ammunition, with efforts by Nato helicopters not enough to support them. It takes two days by donkey to reach the battle site through the one road that is open.

In Pakistan, Taliban chief Maulana Faqir Mohammed said he was unable to confirm Fazlullah's death but admitted he had gone to Nuristan with his fighters.