Special Groups Leader Captured in Sindiyah

Coalition forces captured a wanted criminal and detained five others during operations in the village of Sindiyah, northwest of Khalis early Monday:

The operation was targeting a Special Groups leader reported to be involved in the procurement of weapons and the manufacturing of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, used in attacks against Coalition forces.

Intelligence led the assault force to the target building. Upon entry, one suspected criminal was detained. Additional intelligence led Coalition forces to a follow-on location, where they captured the wanted individual and detained four other suspects without incident.

"There has been much progress in the fight for a secure and stable Iraq, but there is still work to accomplish," said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. "We commend all those who honor Muqtada al-Sadr's pledge for peace, and we'll work with them to provide security in their neighborhoods, but we will also continue to pursue those criminal elements that do not honor al-Sadr's pledge."