U.S. Holding Top Ex-Republican Guard Leader
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American troops have detained a senior commander of the former Republican Guard (search), U.S. forces said Sunday.
Sufyan Maher Hassan (search) is suspected of planning and financing attacks on Iraqis, Iraqi security forces and multinational forces, said Maj. Neal O'Brien of the 1st Infantry Division.
Hassan is being detained at a local multinational force detention facility, O'Brien said.
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Hassan was the Republican Guard commander responsible for units defending Baghdad during the war.
A relative of former leader Saddam Hussein (search), Hassan was blamed for the quick fall of Baghdad.