US detains 'Iran-linked militant'
The "highly-sought individual" is suspected of working with the force to transport militants to its training camps in Iran, the military said.
He is also believed to have provided "lethal aid to terrorists" in Baghdad.
US officials have often accused the Quds Force of training and arming Iraqi militia, an allegation Tehran denies.
Two weeks ago, Washington said such efforts to destabilise Iraq might lead it to designate the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) a "terrorist" organisation.
'Proxy war'
The pre-dawn raid in the southern Shia holy city of Karbala was carried out after other detainees led US-led forces to the man's house, the military said in a statement.
Troops confiscated computer equipment, communication devices and other documents which may lead "to information on other IRGC-Quds Force illicit activities intended to disrupt security operations in Iraq", it said.
"The capture of individuals affiliated with the IRGC-Quds Force is an integral part of dismantling terror networks that seek to kill innocent Iraqis and security forces," said Lt-Col Christopher Garver, a US military spokesman.
In other news, a bomb exploded near a military convoy in Baghdad, reportedly killing at least one person.
Also on Wednesday, Iraqi television reported Prime Minister Nouri Maliki was visiting Iraq's most prominent Shia cleric, Ali al-Sistani, in the holy city of Najaf.
The two are expected to discuss "the security situation and services".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/in_depth/6979256.stm
Published: 2007/09/05 09:40:56 GMT
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