MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790
    
Press Release A080225a
February 25, 2008

Coalition forces capture Iranian-backed Special Groups facilitator, detain seven suspects

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Iranian-backed Special Groups finance facilitator and detained six other suspected criminals early Sunday in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad.
 
The targeted individual was reportedly a finance leader for Iranian-affiliated Special Groups criminals and militias in Iraq’s southern provinces to include Najaf, Karbala, Babil, Wasit and Qadisiyah. He was also allegedly a mortar and rocket specialist who had trained in Iran. Reports indicate he was an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the six other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered large amounts of American currency.

“There has been substantial progress in the fight for a stable Iraq, but there is still much work to be done,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesman.  “We welcome al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s extended cease fire pledge, and we will work with those who honor it to ensure security in their neighborhoods.”

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