MOSUL, Iraq, Aug 5 (AFP) - Iraqi authorities in Mosul admitted Thursday to "questions" about its claim that a brother of the founder of the radical Islamist group Ansar al-Islam had been killed in the northern city.
The lawyer of Mullah Krekar denied that Khalid Sido was among insurgents killed Wednesday during bitter clashes between US-backed Iraqi police and assailants in Mosul.
"The information we received yesterday confirmed that Sido was Krekar's brother, but now there are some questions regarding this person's identity. He may be Krekar's nephew," said Hazem al-Galawi, provincial government spokesman.
"We are investigating the matter, and we will make an announcement as early as Saturday," he added.
Galawi said seven Ansar and other extremist suspects were arrested during the clashes.