Qaeda-linked group denies Iraq Qaeda leader killed

DUBAI, May 1 (Reuters) The self-styled Islamic State in Iraq denied the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, was killed today.

''The Islamic State in Iraq assures the Islamic nation about the safety of Sheikh Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, may God save him, and that he is still fighting the enemies,'' said the Qaeda-linked group in a statement posted on a Web site used by militants.

Iraq's interior ministry said earlier today that the militant leader was killed in an internal fight between militants north of Baghdad.

REUTERS SY RK2100