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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080226-01
February 26, 2008

MND-B Soldiers capture special groups leader
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected Special Groups commander during an operation in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 24.
 
The suspect is accused of being involved in multiple improvised explosive device attacks.
 
Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, detained the suspect after receiving actionable intelligence on his activities. Several other suspected criminal members were captured with him.
 
The detainees were captured with components of explosively formed projectiles. The components were allegedly imported from neighboring countries. 
 
“This suspected criminal is allegedly responsible for multiple IED attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, executive officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “He is suspected to be associated with the foreign-influenced Special Groups networks that continue to blatantly disobey the cease fire directives from al-Sayyid Maqtada Al-Sadr that have been in place since Aug. 29, 2007. 
 
“Recent tips from locals show they want these criminals off their streets, and the support of the people continues to move toward the legitimate government of Iraq” Oclander said.

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