RIYADH, Nov 4: US Secretary of State John Kerry suggested on Monday an attack that killed Hakeemullah Mehsud but added Washington was sensitive to Pakistan’s concerns, after Islamabad denounced the raid as a blow to peace talks.

Speaking at a news conference on a visit to Saudi Arabia, Mr Kerry said he would not confirm or comment on reports that a US drone had killed the Taliban leader.

But he said of Mehsud: “This is a man who absolutely is known to have targeted and killed many Americans, many Afghans and many Pakistanis. A huge number of Pakistanis have died at the hands of Mehsud and his terrorist organisation.

“Pakistan has been deeply threatened by this insurgency in Pakistan.”

Mr Kerry added: “... we are sensitive to the concerns of the country and we look forward to working very closely with the government of Pakistan.

“We intend to continue to work together with them (Pakistanis) through the strategic dialogue that we have established in order to work through these kinds of challenges.”—Reuters