US military denies Iraq claims of al-Qaida leader’s arrest

Published 1:55 pm Friday, May 9, 2008

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military says the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq has been not been captured — despite a claim by the Iraqi government.

U.S. military spokeswoman Maj. Peggy Kageleiry says “neither coalition forces nor Iraqi security forces detained or killed Abu Ayyub al-Masri. This guy had a similar name.”

She said Friday that no additional details were being provided.

On Thursday night, Iraqi army and police officials said the al-Masri had been captured in Mosul.