BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early Monday in the Baghdad area.
The targeted individual reportedly trained criminal elements to perform attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. He allegedly facilitated the training of criminals in activities including explosively formed penetrators, improvised explosive devices, operational security and computer security training. The individual 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 without incident.
“Coalition troops will continue to target terrorists who seek to kill innocent Iraqis, Coalition and Iraqi forces, and those who are not honoring Al-Sayed Muqtada al-Sadr’s pledge to cease attacks,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.