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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080625-06
June 25, 2008

ISF capture five suspected Special Groups criminals in separate operations
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD – Iraqi Security Forces captured five suspected Special Groups criminals during separate operations in central Iraq June 21-23.
 
The 8th Iraqi Army Division captured a suspected Special Groups criminal in Aziziayah, approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, June 21. The criminal is suspected to have collaborated with a wide variety of criminal groups, and is sought after in Wasit province for the reported torture and murder of local government employees, ISF and their families.
 
The 8th IA Div., conducted another operation June 22 in Zubadiyah, approximately 97 kilometers southeast of Baghdad. ISF detained a suspected leader of a Special Groups criminal network who is suspected of being a financier who directs, coordinates and funds operations in the surrounding cities, including trafficking weapons and providing safe havens for criminals. Reports directly link him to sectarian killings, kidnappings for ransom and coercing the local population into supporting Special Groups criminals.  He is also suspected of being associated with improvised explosive device and explosively formed projectile attacks on Coalition forces. 
 
In separate operations across Baghdad, Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained three suspected Special Groups criminals. One individual is believed to be an Iranian surrogate, reportedly in charge of more than 100 individuals who have conducted IED and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. In another operation the same day, ISOF detained two more suspected criminals, one suspected for IED, EFP and IDF attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces and the other suspected of being a key financier for Special Groups criminals.
 
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