MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Press Release A080621a-068
June 21, 2008

Special Groups criminals around Iraq disrupted

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured five suspected Special Groups outlaws during operations in Baghdad and near Hillah Friday and Saturday.

Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces conducted a raid on the suspected residence of a Special Groups leader and recruiter east of Hillah, about 180 km south of Baghdad. The man was wanted for running Special Groups recruiting efforts, as well as ordering assassinations and directing the specialized training of Special Groups criminals.

Coalition also captured an associate of the targeted individual.

During a separate operation in northeast Baghdad, Coalition forces conducted a raid on the residence of a suspected senior Iranian-trained Special Groups commander in Adhamiyah. Intelligence provided by Special Groups criminals already in custody indicated that the suspect ran all Special Groups criminal activities in southeastern Baghdad.

The targeted criminal’s reported close ties and connections to Iranian intelligence agents, along with his weapons and finance facilitations make him a key capture for Coalition forces.

Coalition forces also captured two associates of the targeted individual.

“Coalition forces’ operations over the last 24 hours have helped to degrade the Special Groups’ ability to terrorize and kill innocent Iraqis,” said U.S. Army Capt. Charles Calio, MNF-I spokesperson.

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