Assassination bolsters coalition effort

BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- A chief spokesman of the Iraqi government says the assassination of an influential Sunni leader will only encourage the efforts against the insurgency.

The assassination Thursday of the Sunni leader Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha after a roadside bomb exploded outside his farm killing the sheik and two of his aides will only bolster the war on insurgents, Iraqi government spokesmen Ali Aldabbagh said, according to the American Forces Press Service.

Sattar was a "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, in a statement.

Sattar was known for leading the Anbar Salvation Council that Iraqi officials credit with starting the Anbar awakening movement where Sunnis have committed to align with coalition forces against militants.

President Bush recently met with the sheik and other tribal leaders on Labor Day at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province.

After speaking with several tribal leaders associated with Sheik Sattar, Aldabbagh said the killings “will not affect them, will not influence them. … They have to continue in order to protect their region from any such terrorist groups.”