WASHINGTON — The U.S. military announced that Iran has upgraded its assistance to Shi'ite insurgents in Iraq.
Officials said the U.S. military and Defense Department have determined
that Iran has accelerated the shipment of bombs and technology to Shi'ite
insurgents in Iraq. They said Iran has sought to increase attacks on the
U.S.-led military coalition amid the nuclear crisis between Teheran and
Washington.
"We are quite confident that the Iranians, through their covert special
operations forces, are providing weapons, technology, and training to Shiia
extremists groups in Iraq," Gen. George Casey, commander of the U.S.-led
coalition in Iraq, said on Thursday.
Casey said Iran has relayed advanced improvised explosive devices to
Iraqi insurgents and militias, Middle East Newsline reported. The general said Iranian special operations
forces as well as the Lebanese-based Hizbullah have provided IED technology
and training to Shi'ite operatives.
"There are some indications that Lebanese Hizbullah is also used in some
of the training functions for the Iranians," Casey said.
Officials said the military regards Iran as one of the four elements
that contribute to the security environment in Iraq. They said Iran
increased its military role in Iraq in January 2006 and provide insurgents
with the shaped-charge IEDs, which could rip through virtually any U.S.
armored vehicle.
The Iranian aid to Shi'ite insurgents has been directed by the Quds
Force, the external division of Islamic Republic Guard Corps. Officials said
the Quds Force was responsible for Iranian covert operations in southern
Iraq and aid to such militias as the Badr Force and Mahdi Army.
"They are providing weapons, training and equipment to Shi'a insurgents,
and that equipment is being used against us and Iraqis," Casey said.