Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is deed....

[libero]

 

One down how many to go...???

 

The US and UK have hailed news that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, has died in a US air strike.

Zarqawi died when US planes dropped two 500lb (230kg) bombs on a site near the city of Baquba. He was identified by fingerprints, tattoos and scars.

 

The US struck after receiving specific tip-offs from within Zarqawi's organisation, officials said.

 

US President George W Bush described the news as a severe blow to al-Qaeda and "justice" for Zarqawi.

 

British PM Tony Blair described it as "very good news", but both leaders said Zarqawi's death would not end violence.

 

 

 

 

In pictures: Life of Zarqawi

 

The news came shortly before the Iraqi parliament approved the key posts of defence and interior ministers.

 

The two crucial roles had remained unfilled despite the formation of a coalition government last month.

 

Zarqawi's death was an opportunity for the new government to "turn the tide", President Bush said.

 

"The ideology of terror has lost one of its most visible and aggressive leaders," he added.

 

Correspondents say it remains to be seen if one man's death will bring a breakthrough in Iraq.