The Pakistani Taliban's deputy leader has been buried after his death in a U.S. drone strike, intelligence officials say, according to Belfast Telegraph.

The killing of Waliur Rehman, which has not yet been confirmed by the White House or the official Pakistani Taliban spokesman, would be a major blow to the militant group.

The U.S. had accused Rehman of involvement in a 2009 suicide attack in Afghanistan that killed seven CIA employees.

Rehman's killing could rattle the incoming Pakistani ruling party's goal of negotiating with the Taliban. Rehman had previously been considered amenable to talks.

Two intelligence officials say informants on the ground told them Rehman was buried on Wednesday night, with two militants claiming they attended the funeral.