Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq    

    BAGHDAD, June 22 (Xinhua) -- U.S. soldiers captured a suspected Iranian-backed Shiite militiaman during a predawn operation in southern Baghdad, the U.S. military said on Sunday.

    The troops detained the suspected "Special Groups" member who believed to be one of the most wanted criminals during a raid on his hideout in Bayaa neighborhood at about 4:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Saturday, a military statement said.

    The Special Groups in the terms of the U.S. military refer to the Shiite militia extremists funded, trained and armed by Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force operatives. Iran denies the accusations.

    Security improved markedly in Iraq over the past several months,in part because of a dramatic decrease in activity by Shiite militia linked to Iran, which considers itself the patron of followers of the Shiite sect of Islam worldwide.