The most prominent figure in a US-backed revolt of Sunni sheikhs against al-Qaida in Iraq was killed today by a bomb planted near his home in Anbar province, 10 days after he met with US President George Bush, Iraqi and US officials said.

The most prominent figure in a revolt of Sunni sheikhs against al Qaida in Iraq was killed today in an explosion near his home in Anbar province, Iraqi police and tribal leaders said.