Terror group suffers severe blow, says Zapatero

FRENCH and Spanish police arrested the reputed leader of ETA’s commando units yesterday — dealing a massive blow to the armed Basque separatist group, officials said.

Mikel de Garikoitz Aspiazu Rubina, 35, is suspected of taking part in several killings, including the December shooting deaths of two Spanish guardsmen in France, according to French and Spanish officials.

Spanish prime minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Aspiazu Rubina — known by the alias “Txeroki” — has been the operational chief of ETA’s hit squads and bombing units for several years.