Zarqawi''s senior aide, two assistants arrested in Iraq

BAGHDAD, May 29 (KUNA) -- A senior aide of Al-Qaeda leader in Iraq Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi was captured in Baghdad Sunday evening.

Qasim Al-Aani, one of the most wanted people in Iraq, was arrested with two other insurgents, Defense Ministry spokesman Kassim Al-Mosawi told reporters.

Chief of the 3rd Brigades in the Iraqi Army Jawad Roomi Al-Daini told KUNA Al-Aani is a leader of an insurgent group and is behind many attacks in several Iraqi districts.

He said Al-Aani was involved in the assassination of the son of Chief Justice of Iraqi Supreme Court, Judge Madhat Al-Mahmoud, pointing out that the killer's brother, who is a member in the terrorist group, was also arrested.

Details about the arrest were not revealed.

The Multi-National Force announced in a statement that coalition forces arrested a wanted insurgent and two suspects.

It said two people surrendered as the forces were arresting the suspects, while one tried to escape by jumping in a nearby swamp. Arrested suspects told the forces the runaway is the wanted terrorist.

The insurgents' car was destroyed at the place of the arrest, the statement added. (pickup previous) mhg.
Kuna