Islamabad, Aug. 18 : The US Special Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke has said that Washington is sure about the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud's death because the chieftain has not appeared over television or radio to prove his well-being.

"The reason it's clear he's dead is that if he weren't dead, he'd be giving TV and radio interviews to prove he's not dead," Holbrooke told CNN.

Holbrooke said the Taliban has refused to confirm Mehsud's death because of an ongoing power struggle over his successor.

"Mehsud's death has sparked a `succession crisis' that benefits the war on terror," The Daily Times quoted Holbrooke, as saying. (ANI)