Al-Qaeda in Iraq's Leader Killed in Attack

After several false alarms, US confirms al-Masri is dead
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 19, 2010 9:43 AM CDT
Updated Apr 19, 2010 10:05 AM CDT
Al-Qaeda in Iraq's Leader Killed in Attack
A man who Iraqi officials claim is Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the leader of the al-Qaida run Islamic State of Iraq terrorist group, is displayed giving a taped confession in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, File)

Two of the most wanted al-Qaeda in Iraq figures have been killed in a joint US-Iraq operation, confirms the US military. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced earlier today that the group's leader, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi were killed over the weekend when US and Iraqi forces fired rockets at a home where they were hiding, and showed reporters pictured of the bodies.

The US forces commander says the deaths are potentially the most significant blow to the terrorist organization since the beginning of the insurgency. (More al-Qaeda in Iraq stories.)

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