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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080216-05
February 16, 2008

Paratroopers capture key Special Groups leader in Sha’ab 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a key leader of a Special Groups criminal network in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 15.
 
Acting on multiple-source reporting, paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division detained the suspect during an operation just before noon.
 
Maj. Cameron Weathers, intelligence officer for the 2nd BCT, said that within the last month alone, the suspect allegedly played a leading role in planning and executing the kidnappings of four Iraqi National Police officers Feb. 2, and the kidnapping of three Sons of Iraq security force members Feb. 7.
 
The suspect is also believed to have masterminded the November bombing of a Coalition outpost and the 2006 murder of an Iraqi Police colonel, as well as numerous killings of innocent Iraqi civilians.
 
Weathers said the suspect has recently been engaged in weapons smuggling. He is suspected of being involved in a long list of additional crimes, including murders, kidnappings and IED attacks.
 
“We will continue to disrupt the networks of those who choose not to obey al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s ceasefire pledge, said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman. “The people of Iraq have made it clear that they will not tolerate the criminal activities of these splinter groups.”

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