MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790
    
Press Release A071221a
December 21, 2007

Coalition forces capture two Special Groups leaders, detain three other suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured two suspected Special Groups leaders and detained three other suspects during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early this morning in the Al Mashru area, south of Baghdad and the Kadhimiyah area, west of Baghdad.
 
The targeted individual reportedly trained criminal splinter group elements to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He allegedly facilitated the training of numerous criminals in the use of explosively formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices. The targeted individual was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and detained one other suspected criminal without incident.

In another operation, Coalition forces targeted a separate individual located in the Kadhimiyah area, who was a suspected Special Groups criminal element senior leader. He was allegedly responsible for facilitating the supply of explosives for use in explosively formed penetrator attacks. The wanted individual reportedly controlled a group of criminal element cells operating in Baghdad. He was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and detained the two other suspected criminals without incident.

“Coalition forces continue to conduct operations designed to diminish the facilitation of terrorist activities Iraq,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “We remain steadfast in our pursuit of those criminal elements that are not honoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire pledge.”

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