From a statement by US Forces in Iraq:
Iraqi police were first on the scene after the air strike, and elements of Multi-National Division North, arrived shortly thereafter. Coalition Forces were able to identify al-Zarqawi by fingerprint verification, facial recognition and known scars.From Tony Blair's office:
The prime minister has told cabinet that this is a very important moment in Iraq. Today's announcement was very good news because a blow against al Qaeda in Iraq was a blow against al Qaeda everywhere...And a blow for all humanity, since this man was hostis humani generis ('CAH 4' - old normblog site, August 20 2003).
Updates:
Shuggy - 'Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.'
Oliver - 'The jihadists declared after killing 200 commuters in Madrid, "You love life and we love death." I don't believe the second part of this is literally true, at least in the case of their own deaths, but we should certainly be glad at having met their stated wishes today.'
Michael Totten - 'Got the [xxxx]'
Tim Blair - 'Zarqawi uncreated'
BBC - Reaction from world leaders and others
Zarqawi's uncle - 'Anyone who says he is not sad is lying.'
Iraq the Model - 'CONGRATULATIONS TO IRAQ, CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WHOLE WORLD ON THIS VICTORY.'