Coalition detains Iranian-trained Iraqi militia leader near al-Kut

Iran Focus: London, Jun. 06 – An Iranian-trained “Special Groups” leader surrendered to Coalition forces Friday during operations in al-Hayy, near the city of al-Kut about 190 miles southeast of Baghdad, the United States military announced.

Iran Focus

London, Jun. 06 – An Iranian-trained “Special Groups” leader surrendered to Coalition forces Friday during operations in al-Hayy, near the city of al-Kut about 190 miles southeast of Baghdad, the United States military announced.

“Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces raided the presumed residence of an Iranian-trained Special Groups leader suspected of directing and ordering attacks against Coalition forces in Wasit Province, as well as attacks and kidnappings against civil authorities there”, the Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) said in a statement. “The man is also suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons into Baghdad, specifically Kaytusha rockets”.

The “suspected criminal” surrendered without incident, the statement added.

In a separate operation in al-Hayy, Coalition forces raided the presumed residence of a “wanted Special Groups criminal”.

As Coalition forces approached, the suspect attempted to flee the area by wading through an irrigation canal.  Coalition forces were able to track the individual, after which he surrendered, the statement said.

 “Coalition forces continue to degrade the Special Groups’ ability to wage indiscriminate violence against innocent Iraqis”, said U.S. Army Capt. Charles Calio, an MNF-I spokesperson.

Separately, Coalition forces captured an alleged “Special Groups” leader, and the suspected “primary Special Groups weapons smuggler and financier for Al Kut” in operations south of Baghdad on Thursday.

“Acting on intelligence information, Coalition forces conducted a raid on the residence of a suspected Iranian-trained Special Groups leader in al-Mahawil, which lies about 70 km south of Baghdad near Hillah”, the MNF-I said. “Coalition forces entered the suspected outlaw’s residence where he surrendered without incident”.

“In a separate operation near Al Kut, intelligence tips helped Coalition forces track down the hideout of a suspected Special Groups criminal, who sources allege is the primary weapons smuggler and financier for Special Groups elements in that area”, it added. “Coalition forces stormed the suspected criminal’s location, about 30 km east of Al Kut, where he and another suspected criminal surrendered”.

“As Special Groups leaders and their criminal associates flee their normal area of operations, Iraqi and Coalition Security Forces will continue to track and disrupt their activities,” Calio said.