In this file photo, Saddam Hussein's cousin Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as 'Chemical Ali', listens to prosecution evidence during the Operation Anfal trial, in Baghdad. (AP Photo)
Iraq's government spokesman says Saddam Hussein's notorious cousin "Chemical Ali" was executed on Monday - about a week after being sentenced to death for the poison gas attacks that killed more than 5,000 Kurds in 1988.
News of the hanging came shortly after three suicide car bombs struck downtown Baghdad. It was not immediately clear whether the attacks were linked the execution of Ali Hassan al-Majid.
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh confirmed the execution took place.
Al-Majid - widely known as "Chemical Ali" for the gas attacks - was convicted on Sunday for ordering the poison gas to be dropped on the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988 as part of a campaign against a Kurdish uprising.
It was the fourth death sentence against him for crimes against humanity.