BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained 11 other suspects during operations early today in the Aziziyah area, southeast of Baghdad.
The targeted individual reportedly received special weapons training in order to train Special Group criminal element members for attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. He is believed to have specialized in mortar and rocket attacks. The wanted suspect was also reportedly an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders who were involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the targeted individual and detained the 11 other suspected criminals without incident.
“Al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire pledge has had a positive impact, but there are criminal elements who are not honoring his pledge,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to pursue those who dishonor Sadr’s pledge and commit criminal acts against the Iraqi people." |