BAGHDAD (AP) - The Iraqi Defense Ministry spokesman says the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq has been arrested in the northern city of Mosul.

Spokesman Mohammed al-Askari says the arrest of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, was confirmed to him by the Iraqi commander of the province.

There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. forces on the arrest.

Al-Askari did not say Thursday when the al-Qaida leader was arrested. News of the arrest was also reported by Iraqi state television.