Shia leader assassinated in Baghdad

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD (AA) - A top member of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq Shia faction was shot dead Tuesday in Baghdad by a group of gunmen, according to an Iraqi police officer.

"Unidentified gunmen assassinated a leading member of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, Muhammad Rahim al-Shammari in Al-Shuala northwestern of Baghdad," according to a Baghdad police captain, who refused to be named due to media restrictions.

The policeman said gunmen shot al-Shammari with silencers on their weapons.

There was no comment from the group.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq is a powerful Shia faction led by Qais Khazali, who is close to Iran and has a connection with the Popular Mobilization Forces -- an Iraqi state-sponsored umbrella organization.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara