Al-Qaida in Iraq's leader killed in Baghdad raid

Al-Qaida in Iraq’s leader in northern Baghdad was killed in a raid today, the US military said.

The military identified Abu Asma, also known as Abu Anas and Akram Mahmud al-Mushhadani, as an explosives expert with close ties to important car bomb manufacturers in Baghdad.

He died in a northern Baghdad raid conducted by coalition forces with the help of Iraqi police, a military statement said.

“Intelligence reports indicated Abu Asma was in possession of and expected to use suicide vests against the Iraqi people and security forces,” the statement said.

“He was directly responsible for many deaths and injuries of coalition and Iraqi security forces.”