Sunni Leader Praised By Bush Is Killed

The death of an influential Sunni leader whose followers have been helping U.S. and Iraqi forces fight al-Qaida in Iraq is the result of an assassination, the Iraqi government said Thursday.

A roadside bomb exploded outside the farm of Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, killing the sheik and two of his aides, chief government spokesman Ali Aldabbagh told reporters in a conference call.

Sattar was a "very brave man" who "took the lead to protect the al Anbar and all the worst areas at a time when everybody was afraid and scared of even talking against al-Qaida," Aldabbagh said.

Sattar led a group known as the Anbar Salvation Council. The Pentagon said his followers were part of the movement in Anbar province to side with coalition forces against al-Qaida.

The sheik was among a group of tribal leaders who met with President George W. Bush on Labor Day at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province.

Aldabbagh said said the killings will motivate Sunnis in the region to fight even harder against al-Qaida.

"They have to continue in order to protect their region from any such terrorist groups," he said.

The White House, preparing for Bush's Iraq speech to the nation Thursday night, called his death an "unfortunate and outrageous act."

During a visit Sept. 3 to al-Asad Air Base, Bush hailed the courage of Abu Risha and others "who have made a decision to reject violence and murder in return for moderation and peace."

Bush spokeswoman Dana Perino said Abu Risha "was one of the first to come forward to want to work with the United States to repel al-Qaida."

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. military commander in Iraq, had praised the Anbar uprising in hearings this week before Congress. He called the news of Sattar's death a "tragic loss."

"It's a terrible loss for Anbar province and all of Iraq. It shows how significant his importance was and it shows al-Qaida in Iraq remains a very dangerous and barbaric enemy. He was an organizing force that did help organize alliances and did help keep the various tribes together," Petraeus said in a statement.