BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition Forces captured a high-ranking Special Groups Cell leader during a raid in Baghdad before dawn on Friday. The captured Special Groups Cell leader is suspected of coordinating logistical support from Iran. 

 

The captured Special Groups leader is also believed to have directed IED attacks and indirect fire attacks against Coalition Forces.  The detainee is believed to have close ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps- Qods Force from Iran.  The captured Special Groups terrorist was also an Iraqi Police Lieutenant.

 

Coalition Forces received intense small arms fire from multiple directions to include rooftops, a church and a nearby Iraqi Police checkpoint.  Coalition Forces returned fire in accordance with escalation of force rules.  Initial reports indicate that approximately seven terrorists and six Iraqi Police were killed in the firefight.
 
During the engagement, Coalition Forces continued to receive heavy and accurate fire from the Iraqi Police checkpoint.  Coalition Forces returned fire and employed close air support from a fixed-wing aircraft to prevent further escalation of fires between the Iraqi Police checkpoint and Coalition Forces.  The close air support was directed in front of the Iraqi Police, not at them to prevent further casualties.

There were no Coalition Forces casualties.  

                

"Coalition Forces continue to target Special Groups terrorists who are responsible for directing attacks against Coalition Forces and innocent Iraqi people." said Capt. Bruce Cole, an MNF-I spokesperson.
 

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