BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraq's interior and defense ministers said today that they have information that Jordanian-born terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi has been wounded.

"We have information in the Ministry of Interior that al-Zarqawi was wounded, but we don't know how seriously," Interior Minister Bayan Jabr said during a news conference. "We are not sure whether he is dead or not but we are sure that he is injured."

An Internet statement claimed Tuesday that al-Zarqawi had been wounded in recent fighting. The statement, posted on a Web site known for carrying extremist material, could not be authenticated.

"Yes, it is true," said Iraqi Defense Minister Saadoun al-Duleimi when asked if al-Zarqawi had been wounded. Asked how he knew, he said: "It is my job."

The speculation over al-Zarqawi's health deepened Wednesday after reports that two Arab doctors in another country were treating Iraq's most wanted militant, who has claimed responsibility for the country's deadliest attacks.

Various rumors and claims in recent days have been made that al-Zarqawi is wounded, possibly by a bullet penetrating his lung and may have died or been taken out of Iraq for medical care.

Earlier today, another Internet statement signed in the name of al-Qaida in Iraq said the group has appointed an interim leader for al-Zarqawi in light of his purported injury. But a subsequent posting shortly afterward disputed the claim.

The authenticity of either statement could not be verified, though the second was posted in the name of the person who usually handles the group's Web site claims and announcements.

The back-and-forth on the same Web site, known as a clearinghouse of Islamic militant material, could be a sign of confusion or competition within al-Qaida of Iraq. It follows speculation about the Jordanian-born militant that has been unusual in size and scope.

The first statement was signed in the name of Abu Doujanah al-Tunisi of the media committee of al-Qaida in Iraq - an unfamiliar name from past statements.

"The leaders met after the injury of our sheik, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi ... and decided to appoint a deputy to take the lead until the return of our sheik," it said.