Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080216-02
February 16, 2008

Iraqi National Police engage criminal element in Sha’ab
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Four Iraqi National Police officers were wounded during a firefight with approximately 40 armed members of an organized criminal element linked to the Arkan Hasnawi Special Groups Network Feb. 10 in the Baghdad neighborhood of Sha’ab After opening fire on an INP convoy, the suspected Special Groups members reportedly approached the convoy and demanded the police officers drop their weapons and become hostages.

The INP refused and a firefight ensued. The National Police were able to hold their ground despite the casualties and caused the attackers to flee.

The Special Groups leader believed to be responsible for the attack was later arrested by 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment paratroopers in an adjacent neighborhood.

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