Multi-National Corps – Iraq May 23, 2008 – Iraqi Special Operations Forces captured a suspected criminal financier in Az-Zubayr, 17 kilometers southwest of Basrah, May 21.

The ISOF acted on an arrest warrant for the financier, who is suspected of conducting weapon smuggling operations along the Iraq-Iran border.

The suspect’s capture is expected to reduce the number of locations used for lethal aid smuggling and hinder facilitator operations in the greater Basrah province, according to Col. Bill Buckner, spokesperson for Multi-National Corps – Iraq. His capture is expected to also prevent criminals from using Az-Zubayr as a safe haven while Iraqi Security Forces continue to conduct operations in Basrah.