WASHINGTON (AFP) — A senior leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed in a US air strike in Iraq this week, a US military commander said Friday, calling it a key loss to a group already fractured by US operations.

Brigadier General Joseph Anderson identified the man as Abu Usama al-Tunisi, a Tunisian described as a in line to succeed Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Al-Qaeda in Iraq’s Egyptian leader.

Tunisi also led a cell in Yusifiyah that kidnapped and killed two US soldiers June 16, 2006 — Kristian Menchaca, 23, and Thomas Tucker, 25, according to Anderson.

“Abu Usama al-Tunisi was one of the most senior leaders within Al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Anderson, the chief of staff of Multi-National Corps Iraq.

The general said the September 25 strike that killed al-Tunisi was a “significant blow” to al Qaeda in Iraq, which he said has been severely disrupted by US operations and may now be reassessing its position in Iraq. Continued Here

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