WASHINGTON — So-called “special groups” terrorists operating in Iraq apparently are receiving training, arms and funding from Iranian sources, a senior U.S. military official posted in Iraq said May 14.

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“Over the course of the last several months, we have publicly discussed numerous times, and shown numerous times, the evidence on four separate occasions on what we have found and continue to find: Iranian-made weapons in the hands of criminals in Iraq,” Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner told reporters during a Baghdad news conference.

BAGHDAD — Multi-National Division – Center launched a major operation May 15 to improve the quality of life for Iraqi citizens of the Mada’in Qada, in southeast Baghdad Province.

Marne Dauntless will build capacity for stability and security in a new part of MND-C’s battle space.  This operation builds on the success of Operation Marne Piledriver, which kicked off in April across the Mahmudiyah Qada, south of Baghdad.

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division is assuming authority from the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and will be responsible for Marne Dauntless.

Now, long-term plans are being developed so that gains aren’t lost as its members transition into other roles. 

In the past year, the SoI have been instrumental in transforming the security landscape of Iraq. Since the start of the program, areas where SoI operate have witnessed an unprecedented drop in violence and terrorist-related activities.