BBC NEWS | Middle East | Zarqawi's number two 'shot dead'

Despite these successes, the naysayers at the BBC who oppose the war in Iraq have their input:

"BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says that while the killing could be an important public relations boost for the US, it is not clear how significant Azzam is or whether his death could have a lasting impact."

ABU AZZAM PROFILE:

• Real name reported to be Abdallah Muhammed al-Juhaari

• Also known as Sheikh Abdullah Abu Azzam, or the Emir of Anbar

• Based in Baghdad since April

• Financier and aide to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, oversaw bombing campaign in the capital

• Believed to be Palestinian

• $50,000 reward for his death or capture