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Coalition Forces Kill Top Terrorist in Iraq
BAGHDAD, June 8, 2006 – Jordanian terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi died in an air strike north of Baghdad yesterday evening, U.S. officials have confirmed. “Ladies and Gentlemen, coalition forces killed al Qaeda terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and one of his key lieutenants, spiritual advisor Sheik Abd-Al-Rahman, yesterday, June 7, at 6:15 p.m. in an air strike against an identified, isolated safe house,” said Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. The commander of Multinational Force Iraq, announced Zarqawi’s death during a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad today.

 

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Zach Mott, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

STRIKE SITE — Rubble and debris litter the site of the last safe house of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Hibhib, Iraq, June 8, 2006. The top insurgent target in Iraq, along with several of his associates, was killed during an air strike on the house June 7, 2006. (Click Image for HiRes) — More Pictures

Here is what did it.
 

Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr.:

“Zarqawi’s death is a significant blow to al Qaeda and another step toward defeating terrorism in Iraq,” U.S. officials said in a statement.

“Although the designated leader of al Qaeda in Iraq is now dead, the terrorist organization still poses a threat as its members will continue to try to terrorize the Iraqi people and destabilize their government as it moves toward stability and prosperity,” Casey said. “Iraqi forces, supported by the coalition, will continue to hunt terrorists that threaten the Iraqi people until terrorism is eradicated in Iraq.”

President Bush’s Statement

…Zarqawi has met his end, and this violent man will never murder again. Iraqis can be justly proud of their new government and its early steps to improve their security. And Americans can be enormously proud of the men and women of our armed forces, who worked tirelessly with their Iraqi counterparts to track down this brutal terrorist and put him out of business.

Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld

“The death of Zarqawi, while enormously important, will not mean the end of all violence in that country and one ought not to take it as such, but let there be no doubt the fact that he is dead is a significant victory in the battle against terrorism in that country, and I would say worldwide because he had interests well outside of Iraq. He was an integral part of the global war on terror.”

Abu Qudama, al-Zarqawi brother-in-law

“We’re not sad that he’s dead. To the contrary, we’re happy because he’s a martyr and he’s now in heaven.”

More quotes and reactions at CNN.com: World reacts to al-Zarqawi death

American Forces Press
Fox News:
Via Drudge Report: Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi Killed in Air Raid