Shiites and Kurds hail killing

Baghdad: Iraqi Sunnis questioned whether Abu Musab Al Zarqawi was the mastermind behind terrorist attacks or he was a mere pawn in an American game, while Shiites and Kurds have greatly welcomed his death.

"Millions of Shiites, who lost thousands of victims in attacks carried out by Al Zarqawi Group, were overjoyed by his death," Abu Bakr Al Sa'edi, a Shiite leader, told Gulf News.

Khalid Al Jamili, a Sunni dignitary from Fallujah, which was subject to a major US military offensive in search of Al Zarqawi, said: "The elimination of Al Zarqawi is a source of pleasure because this will put an end to the game the US played against Arab Sunnis in Iraq."

Al Jamili referred to the American use of Al Zarqawi as an excuse to launch major military attacks against Sunni cities.

Kamal Mohi Al Deen, a Kurdish leader, said: " The killing of Al Zarqawi pleases Kurds because he was involved in killing hundreds of Kurds."

Meanwhile, prominent security officials believe Al Zarqawi's death will spark a wave of random operations by his followers to avenge his killing.

Naseer Al Abbadi, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Forces, said: "The organisational structure of Al Zarqawi organisation was breached, which led to identification of his house and his assassination." Al Abbadi expects more strikes against Al Zarqawi's cells, hoping the security situation will improve after his death.

Major General Ali Ghaleb, Undersecretary for Security Forces Affairs at the Interior Ministry, said that the successful elimination of Al Zarqawi is attributed to the well-prepared security plans for fighting terrorist cells. "Al Zarqawi's killing will affect terrorist groups which operate under Al Zarqawi's leadership and confuse their plans in Iraq."

Major General Anwar Mohammad Ameen, Commander of the Iraqi Army in Kirkuk, said Kirkuk suffered a lot due to terrorist operations launched by Al Zarqawi's group.