Coalition Forces Capture Special Groups Leader, Detain Four Total Suspects

Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained three other suspects late Thursday during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Mashru area, south of Baghdad:

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The targeted individual was reportedly a deputy for Special Groups criminal elements in Wasit Province. Reports also indicate he was an associate of several senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the three other suspected criminals without incident.

"Coalition forces will continue to apply pressure on the criminal networks that are not honoring al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's ceasefire pledge," said Lt. Michael Street, MNF-I spokesman. "Those who honor his pledge are contributing to a safer Iraq."