BAGHDAD — Iraq has killed a senior Al Qaida operative.   

"These foreign terrorists conducted numerous high-profile attacks throughout Iraq and killed many people, including security forces in Iraq, Iraqi government workers, and civilians."

The U.S. military said Abu Khalaf, responsible for distributing money and weapons to Al Qaida operatives, was killed on Jan. 22 when he sought to escape detention. Officials said he had been identified and captured based on information from detained Al Qaida operatives.

"As a result of Al Shamari's death, it is likely that AQI's ability to obtain foreign fighters, finance operations and conduct suicide attacks against the Iraqi populace has been significantly disrupted," the U.S. military said.

Officials said Abu Khalaf was linked to the spate of mass-casualty suicide strikes throughout Baghdad since August 2009. More than 400 people have been killed in the attacks, which targeted mostly the Baghdad government.

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