IED facilitator detained in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A raid Tuesday in Baghdad by coalition forces resulted in the capture of an alleged coordinator of improvised explosive device training.

Military officials say a suspected "special groups criminal element leader" along with 10 other suspects were detained during the operation, the Multi-National Forces-Iraq reported.

The targeted individual allegedly "supervised criminal splinter group trainers throughout Iraq … coordinated explosively formed penetrators, improvised explosive device, operational security and computer security training of numerous criminals," the release said.

Intelligence officials say the suspect directed his cell of militant operatives to target coalition forces and Iraqis who worked with coalition forces.

"Al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr's cease-fire pledge has helped stem the violence, but criminal splinter groups remain intent on disrupting the growth and development of the government of Iraq," Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman, said in a statement. "We remain committed to dismantling these criminal networks."

Officials say in addition to the detention of suspects, coalition forces discovered a cache of armor and two assault rifles among other munitions and a large amount of Iraqi currency.