Coalition forces captured a suspected Special Groups leader and detained eight other suspects early Thursday during operations to disrupt criminal element networks in the Huwaysh area, north of Baghdad.The targeted individual reportedly aided in attacks on Coalition forces throughout the Diyala Province as an intelligence source and financial facilitator. The wanted individual was also reported to be an associate of several other senior-level criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and detained eight other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered body armor, two assault rifles, five pistols and five shotguns. “While violence has decreased, a tough fight remains ahead,” said Maj. Bradford Leighton, MNF-I spokesperson. “We will continue to pursue those who dishonor al Sayyed Muqtada al Sadr’s cease fire pledge by committing criminal acts against the Iraqi people.”