Leader of Sunni armed group killed in Iraq bomb attack

Baghdad: Iraqi officials say a bomb has killed the leader of a US-backed, Sunni armed group in a western district of Baghdad.

The officials say the bomb exploded on Saturday night in the car of Fuad Ali Hussain, killing him as well as his deputy and two bodyguards.

Hussain headed of a neighbourhood awakening council - a term describing Sunni fighters who turned against Al Qaida in Iraq and formed alliances with the United States.

Hussain's death was confirmed by a police officer and the head of another awakening council. Both requested anonymity for security reasons.