“In March 2007, Mullah Obaidullah Akhand, one of the two senior deputies of [Taliban leader] Mullah [Mohammad] Omar, was arrested in Quetta [Pakistan]. It was later reported that the ISI [Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence] had freed him in a hostage exchange for Pakistani soldiers being held by [Pakistani Taliban leader] Baitullah Mehsud.” [The 15th of the month used for date sorting purposes only.]
– Ahmed Rashid, Descent Into Chaos, Page 398