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| Iraq |
| Lieutenant of Special Groups Leader Hasnawi Captured |
| 2008-02-18 |
| BAGHDAD – Soldiers with Multi-National Division – Baghdad captured a top lieutenant of Arkan Hasnawi, a Special Groups leader, during an operation in northern Baghdad Feb. 17. Paratroopers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, MND-B, detained the individual at approximately 1 p.m. after receiving a tip on his whereabouts. The suspect is allegedly a key ringleader in Hasnawi’s criminal network, said Maj. Cameron Weathers, the intelligence officer for the 2nd BCT. He is accused of explosively formed projectile and multiple mortar attacks against Iraqi and U.S. Security Forces, as well as the kidnapping and murder of Iraqi civilians. A day earlier, elements of the Iraqi National Police and the 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div., seized a large cache with multiple rocket and mortars associated with Specials Groups. “Northern Baghdad is an area that Special Groups criminals have wanted to dominate for some time, and it is pretty clear that this is the foreign influenced Special Groups,” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, brigade executive officer. “These captures will have a disrupting affect on their operations. “It is very important to note that these successes have originated as a result of Iraqi civilian tips,” Oclander said. “The vast majority of the locals want to take ownership of their future by eliminating those who refuse to comply with the ongoing cease fire.” |
| Posted by:Glenmore |