US soldier killed in western Iraq

A US marine has been killed while US and Iraqi forces continued their offensive in western Iraq, and the interim government announced the capture of an alleged al-Qaida-affiliated group leader. 

Three marines have died so far in the ongoing al-Anbar offensive

The marine was killed on Thursday during “security and stability operations”, the US military said on Friday, without giving further details.

 

US and Iraqi forces began their offensive on Sunday in a effort to end resistance in Iraq‘s vast western desert province of al-Anbar, one of the most lawless areas of the country.

 

They stepped up operations on Thursday, using warplanes and an AC-130 gunship to attack fighters in the town of Haqlaniya, about 240km northwest of Baghdad.

  

More than 100 suspected fighters have been arrested since the offensive began, and at least three US marines have died.

 

Separately, the Iraqi interim government said Iraqi forces have captured the leader of an al-Qaida-affiliated group allegedly responsible for carrying out a series of beheadings.

Al-Zarqawi link?

 

In a statement late on Thursday, the government identified the leader as Muhammad Najam Ibrahim and said he had been arrested by Iraqi National Guardsmen in Baquba, 60km northeast of Baghdad. It gave no date for the arrest.

Officials said Muhammad NajamIbrahim beheaded many Iraqis
Officials said Muhammad NajamIbrahim beheaded many Iraqis

Officials said Muhammad Najam
Ibrahim beheaded many Iraqis

The government said Ibrahim’s operation was linked to Jordanian-born Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who is said to lead a group in Iraq affiliated to Usama bin Ladin’s al-Qaida network.

Ibrahim carried out the beheadings with his brother, the government said.

“The two beheaded a number of citizens in addition to launching attacks against Iraqi security forces,” the statement said.

The government said Ibrahim was being interrogated by authorities for more information they hoped would lead to other arrests.

Last week, police said they arrested two others in Baquba, including a top aide to al-Zarqawi named Haidar Abu Bawari.

Source: News Agencies