Iraqi Awakening leader killed in Diyala province

The top Iraqi Awakening commander in the Iraqi city of Baqubah has been killed, the head of the group in Diyala province Sami al-Khazerji has confirmed. Al-Khazerji told Arabstoday that leading member Abu Adhab was attacked with "light weapons" near his home, and was killed on the scene. He described the victim as "one of Baqubah's key leaders" who "left a mark as a fighter over the last few years." Al-Khazerji accused al-Qaeda of killing Abu Adhab, and claimed that the militant group is "trying to push the Awakening movement out of the security operation in order to exert influence over the locals." The Iraqi Awakening movement, also known as the Sunni Awakening movement or the Sons of Iraq, has over 7000 members in Diyala, including 50 field commanders in various districts.