Baghdad, 22 Oct. (AKI) - More than 60 people have been killed in a series of violent clashes between al-Qaeda and the Islamic Army in the area of al-Khannasa, north of Baghdad.

According to the Arab newspaper, al-Quds al-Arabi, the attacks took place in the past few days after terrorists from al-Qaeda kidnapped the head of the Islamic Army in Madain, Wahid Arzuqi.

Various witnesses said Arzuqi was kidnapped after receiving various threats, in particular a fierce verbal attack in a meeting organised with other Iraqi guerillas.

Tensions between al-Qaeda and the rival militant organisation have reportedly been ignited in recent weeks after the deaths of several members of the Islamic Army in Samarra, Kirkuk and al-Duluiya.

Although it carries an Islamic title, the group appears to mix Islamism with nationalism and is believed to be the largest militant group that consists of former Baathists.

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