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Note: The folllowing text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17319&Itemid=128

Press Release A080227a
February 27, 2008

Coalition forces disrupt Special Groups criminal network, detain one suspect

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained a suspected Special Groups member during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early Wednesday in Baghdad.

Coalition forces were targeting Iranian-backed Special Groups criminal networks involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.

Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they detained one suspected criminal without incident. The suspect’s identity is still being determined.

“Special Groups that refuse to honor al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr’s cease-fire pledge are a threat to public safety that cannot be tolerated,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to target these rogue elements, disrupt their networks and bring them to justice.”

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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17300&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080226-01
February 26, 2008

MND-B Soldiers capture special groups leader
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a suspected Special Groups commander during an operation in Baghdad’s Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 24.

The suspect is accused of being involved in multiple improvised explosive device attacks.

Paratroopers with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, detained the suspect after receiving actionable intelligence on his activities. Several other suspected criminal members were captured with him.

The detainees were captured with components of explosively formed projectiles. The components were allegedly imported from neighboring countries.

“This suspected criminal is allegedly responsible for multiple IED attacks against Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces,” said Lt. Col. David Oclander, executive officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. “He is suspected to be associated with the foreign-influenced Special Groups networks that continue to blatantly disobey the cease fire directives from al-Sayyid Maqtada Al-Sadr that have been in place since Aug. 29, 2007.

“Recent tips from locals show they want these criminals off their streets, and the support of the people continues to move toward the legitimate government of Iraq” Oclander said.

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