Islamic group denies reports that al-Qaeda in Iraq leader was killed

An Iraqi insurgent umbrella group denied Tuesday that the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed, saying he was alive and safe, according to an Internet statement.

"The Islamic State of Iraq reassures the Ummah (nation) that Sheik Abu Hamza al-Muhajer, God protect him, is alive and he is still fighting the enemy of God," the Islamic State said in a written statement posted on a Web site commonly used by insurgents. (AP)