By Xinhua
Baghdad : US and Iraqi forces killed a top Shia militant during a raid on an area in the city of Diwaniyah, the US military said Saturday.
Najah al-Agra, also known as Abu-Ali, was killed during the operation Thursday, 160 km south of Baghdad, a military statement said.
According to the statement, al-Agra was the leader of a group of more than 25 militiamen, allegedly accused of conducting attacks against the US-led multinational forces, including a July mortar attack on the coalition base in Diwaniyah.
“The insurgent leader aimed his pistol at the Iraqi and US Forces, displaying hostile intent during the mission. The Iraqi and US team members responded, killing the militant,” said the statement.
During the raid, the troops were attacked from a nearby building prompting them to return fire, the statement said, adding one suspect was also detained for further questioning during the raid.