US military denies Iraqi claims of al-Qaida leader's arrest

BAGHDAD (AP) - The leader of al-Qaida in Iraq has been not been captured, the U.S. military said Friday, despite a claim by the Iraqi government.

U.S. military spokeswoman Maj. Peggy Kageleiry says "neither coalition forces nor Iraqi security forces detained or killed Abu Ayyub al-Masri. This guy had a similar name."

She said Friday that no additional details were being provided.

On Thursday night, Iraqi army and police officials said the al-Masri had been captured in Mosul.