BREAKING: Iraq's Prime Minister Says Zarqawi is Dead

According to Reuters, Iraq's Prime Minister al-Malaki has announced that Zarqawi is dead.

In Washington, ABC News reported that a U.S. air attack on a Baghdad house has killed Zarqawi. "Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been killed in Baghdad during a bombing raid," ABC said.

A Pentagon press officer could not immediately confirm the report.

Several media sources such as CNN, MSNBC and the BBC have picked up the story but all caution that official confirmation has yet to be solidified. There have been many reports of Zarqawi's supposed death in the past, but I believe this is the first to be made by such a prominent official as the Prime Minister of Iraq.

Update: 4:04 am ET - CNN is now reporting that 'officials' have positively identified the remains as Zarqawi's. CNN reporter Jamie MacIntyre said these officials used fingerprints and facial recognition software to identify Zarqawi. The Pentagon is expected to comment later today. CNN is also reporting that 7 of Zarqawi's aides are dead as well.

In related news, CNN noted that news of Zarqawi's death caused oil prices to slide $1.17 to $69.65/barrel.

A press briefing is scheduled for ~6:30 am ET.

Developing, as they say...