DUBAI - Confusion Thursday surrounded an Internet claim that Al-Qaeda has named an acting chief of its Iraq operations following an injury to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, after a new statement emerged denying such a move.
The message, signed by the information section of Zarqawi's group, vehemently rejected a claim that one Abu Hafs al-Qarni had been appointed to take charge until the most wanted man in Iraq recovers from his wounds.
The war of Internet statements has escalated since Islamist websites posted the announcement of Zarqawi's injuries on Tuesday, adding to confusion about the fate of the man accused of being behind the bloodiest attacks in postwar Iraq.