Iraqi defense minister escapes al Qaeda assassination bid

Al Qaeda ambushed the convoy of Iraqi Defense Minister Saadun al-Dukaimi Tuesday on its way from Falluja to Ramadi in western Iraq. He escaped unhurt but some of his bodyguards were killed or injured. Sunday, another al Qaeda attack killed the Iraqi Army 7th Division’s commander, Gen. Ahmed al-Kurwi and 18 of his staff officers. DEBKAfile: Iraqi military chiefs are being targeted to halt the major offensive just launched against Al Qaeda in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).