Iraqi Special Operations Forces, with U.S. Special Forces as advisors, conducted synchronized intelligence driven operations that detained 12 rogue Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents Aug. 13 in Baghdad. The detainees include eight high-level leaders linked to JAM Special Groups that carry out attacks on Iraqi and Coalition Forces.

The suspects include a brigade commander, battalion commander, two company commanders and one leader of an extra-judicial killing cell. In addition, the forces captured several JAM cell members suspected of carrying out EJK and improvised explosive device attacks.

The brigade commander is responsible for five groups under his control. Reports indicate that he transports IEDs from Iran into Iraq and recently ordered an IED attack that caused the death of two U.S. Soldiers. The suspect also reportedly ordered his JAM members to set up illegal checkpoints to hunt down and assassinate Sunni citizens.

The Shi’a extremist operates the Amin Allah Cultural and Humanitarian Establishment in An Najaf and allegedly funnels humanitarian funds through the establishment in order to coordinate rogue JAM activities. The suspect is believed to use the smuggled funds for recruiting foreign fighters, training rogue JAM operatives in lethal attack tactics and trafficking illegal weapons from Iran.