BAGDHAD — A leading operative of the Al Qaida network has been killed in Iraq.   

Al Juburi was killed during a series of counter-insurgency operations in Mosul, officials said. They said six operatives, believed to have been associates of Al Juburi, were also arrested.

Officials said Iraqi security forces had been hunting for Al Juburi for more than a year. They said he played a key role in operations, recruitment and logistics and worked out of several buildings in eastern Mosul.

"Evidence discovered during the operation included plans detailing upcoming bomb attacks against security forces in Iraq," the U.S. military statement said.

On March 21, Iraqi police arrested two additional AQI suspects, this time in the Diyala province, regarded as a major stronghold. Over the last few weeks, officials said, dozens of operatives have been identified as being responsible for regional insurgency cells.

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