Senior Iranian-Trained Terrorist Leader Captured In Baghdad
MNFI
May 31, 2008
SG leaders flee Baghdad, senior leader captured
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces struck a blow against a Special Groups criminal ring when they captured a key suspect Saturday in the Rusafa district of Baghdad.
Intelligence sources led Coalition forces to the residence of the suspect who is believed to be a key assistant to a senior Iranian-trained Special Groups leader who recently fled Sadr City under pressure from Iraqi Security Forces. Intelligence shows that as Iraqi Security or Coalition forces come close to capturing senior Special Groups leaders, the criminals flee and hide until the situation calms.
“Most of the senior Special Groups leadership have fled Sadr City and its surrounding area, leaving innocent Iraqis to pickup the pieces of the indiscriminate violence wrought by the Special Groups,” said U.S. Army Capt. Charles Calio, MNF-I spokesperson.
The captured man is suspected of kidnapping, managing funds for Special Groups in Sadr City, and providing funds to various other elements within the Special Groups criminal organization.
As Coalition forces approached the suspect’s residence, he demonstrated hostile intent, and Coalition forces wounded him in self-defense. The suspect was treated on-scene and transported to a medical facility for further treatment.
Coalition forces also recovered multiple weapons at the suspect’s residence.
“Iraqi Security and Coalition forces continue the important job of reclaiming Iraq from criminals and terrorists, and today’s raid demonstrates the ongoing resolve to restore peace and prosperity to Iraq,” Calio said.