Omar, a spokesman for the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was a close associate of Baitullah Mehsud.
[3] Omar, a high-profile figure who often contacted journalists to claim responsibility for the various actions of the Taliban, was captured while travelling with two associates in the Mohmand Agency of Pakistan's tribal areas, near the border with Afghanistan.
[4] In 2008 the Pakistan Government erroneously claimed he was killed in the bombing of Bajaur Agency.
[6] The arrest of Omar, who was reportedly captured due to the help of local anti-Taliban militia, was seen as important in weakening the Taliban who were already in some disarray following the death of Baitullah Mehsud.
Omar was also seen as a key source of information on the operation of militants in the border areas with Afghanistan.