Al Qaeda: No New Iraq Boss

Updated:09:53, Thursday May 26, 2005

Al Qaeda chiefs in Iraq have denied appointing a new deputy leader after Abu Musab al Zarqawi was wounded.

In a statement posted on an Islamist website they allegedly said Abu Hafs al Qarni would take charge until Zarqawi had recovered from his injuries.

Zarqawi: Most wanted

It led to renewed speculation the Jordanian terrorist - the United States' most wanted person in Iraq - may be dying.

The statement said: "The leaders met after the wounding... and decided to appoint a deputy to assume the leadership until the return of our Sheikh safely."

It said Qarni had been selected "for he was renowned for carrying out the most difficult operations," adding Zarqawi had chosen him for such attacks.

The statement, purportedly by the al Qaeda Organisation for Holy War in Iraq, gave no details of Zarqawi's condition.

The group confirmed on Tuesday he had been wounded but said it would only serve as an inspiration to step up the insurgency.

Jordanian Zarqawi is the man behind most of the attacks on Coalition forces in Iraq.

He is also thought to be personally responsible for beheading a number of hostages, including Briton Kenneth Bigley.

According to reports, he was injured in fighting with US forces near the western city of Ramadi at the week-end.

Washington has offered a $25m reward for information leading to his capture.