The U.S. military in Iraq says it conducted more than 35 raids overnight based on information gathered following the death of terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
A U.S. military spokesman, Major General William Caldwell, announced the raids Friday as coalition forces sought to dismantle Zarqawi's al-Qaida in Iraq terror group. General Caldwell also disclosed that Zarqawi initially survived the U.S. airstrike late Wednesday, but that he died of his wounds shortly after. The general said the latest information indicates two other men and three women also died in the airstrike.
Iraqi authorities have imposed a ban on vehicle traffic in Baghdad and restive areas to the north - apparently to prevent reprisal insurgent attacks. The Interior Ministry said the ban will remain in effect during the hours when most Iraqis go to mosques for Friday prayers.