MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
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Press Release A071223b
December 23, 2007

Coalition forces capture Special Groups leader, detain eight suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained seven other suspects during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early today southeast of Baghdad in the Al Kut and As Suwyarah areas.
 
The targeted individual was reportedly a senior-level Special Groups criminal element leader dedicated to attacking Coalition forces. He allegedly planned explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, attacks on Coalition forces throughout the Wasit Province. The man was reportedly appointed as a Special Groups criminal element leader of a punishment committee and possible death squads. He was also reported to be 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 detained three suspected criminals. The identities of the three suspects are still being determined, as is whether or not one of them may be the targeted individual.

In another operation, a wanted individual located in the As Suwyarah area is suspected of training Special Group criminal element members to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He reportedly received specialized training in EFP use, and facilitated the training of numerous criminals in EFP attacks. The man was also allegedly 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 four other suspected criminals without incident.

“We will continue to apply pressure on those criminal elements that are not honoring Al-Sayed Muqtada al-Sadr’s pledge to cease attacks,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman. “Criminals and those who threaten to undo the hard fought gains made be the Iraqi people, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces will not be tolerated.”

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