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Zarqawi 'definitely' injured
26/05/2005 14:12 - (SA)
Baghdad - Iraq's interior and defence ministers said on Thursday that they have information that Jordanian-born terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been wounded.
"We have information in the Ministry of Interior that al-Zarqawi was wounded but we don't know how seriously," Interior Minister Bayan Jabr said during a news conference. "We are not sure whether he is dead or not but we are sure that he is injured."
An internet statement claimed on Tuesday that al-Zarqawi had been wounded in recent fighting. The statement, posted on a website known for carrying extremist material, could not be immediately authenticated. The statement also asked for Muslims to pray for the health of the al-Qaeda chief in Iraqi.
"Yes, it is true," said Iraqi Defence Minister Saadoun al-Duleimi when asked if al-Zarqawi had been wounded. Asked how he knew, he said: "It is my job."
The speculation over al-Zarqawi's health deepened on Wednesday after reports that two Arab doctors in another country were treating Iraq's most wanted militant, who has claimed responsibility for the country's deadliest attacks.
Various rumours and claims in recent days have been made that al-Zarqawi is wounded, possibly by a bullet penetrating his lung and may have died or been taken out of Iraq for medical care.
Earlier on Thursday, another internet statement signed in the name of al-Qaeda in Iraq said the group has appointed an interim leader for al-Zarqawi in light of his reported injury. But a subsequent posting shortly afterward disputed the claim.
The authenticity of either statement could not be verified, though the second was posted in the name of the person who usually handles the group's website claims and announcements.
The back-and-forth on same website, known as a clearinghouse of Islamic militant material, could be a sign of confusion or competition within al-Qaeda of Iraq. It follows speculation about the Jordanian-born militant that has been unusual in size and scope. But a rival denial was posted a short time later.
"We are not sure 100 percent that al-Zarqawi is dead, and we can't consider this step as a confirmation for his killing," said Haitham al-Hussaini, director of al-Hakim's office.
Al-Zarqawi is believed to be backed by Islamic extremists who have entered Iraq from neighbouring countries. Iraq has called on its neighbours, particularly Syria, to stop foreign fighters entering Iraq to clash with US and Iraqi security forces.
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