NINEWA/ Aswat al-Iraq: Security sources said here today that Staff General Awni Ali Murad was killed in a suicidal attack against his residence west of the province.

Two of his bodyguards were also killed, including his brother.

The attack took two phases, the first was by a suicidal attacker who was killed by the bodyguards and followed by another who exploded himself when the general went out to check the situation.

No other details were given.