BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained suspected special groups criminals, allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, during the early morning hours May 16.

Conducting intelligence-driven point operations against pre-identified targets, soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained two individuals suspected of coordinating and carrying out violent crimes in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad at approximately 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Nearby, Iraqi National Policemen from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, turned over nine 60 mm mortar rounds captured at approximately 9:30 a.m. during a security patrol in the Risalah neighborhood of West Rashid to soldiers of 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment.

“The efforts to keep the streets of Baghdad safe and the Iraqi people free of the violence and influence of these criminals and terrorists is an ongoing fight,” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “The Raider Brigade and its soldiers are committed to assisting the ISF with their ongoing efforts to enforce the Iraqi Rule of Law for the citizens of Baghdad and the Government of Iraq. We look forward to the time where there will be no more violent activity in this nation’s capitol.”