US: Iran is training Iraqi militants to make bombs

Iran has been training Iraqi fighters to make deadly roadside bombs known as EFPs, the US military spokesman said in Baghdad today.

"We know they are being manufactured and smuggled into this country, and we know that training does go on in Iran for people to learn how to assemble them and how to employ them," Maj. Gen. William Caldwell, the US military spokesman, said at a weekly briefing.

"We know that training has gone on as recently as this past month from detainees debriefs."

EFP stands for explosively formed penetrator, deadly roadside bombs that hurl a fist-size lump of molten copper capable of piercing armour.

In January, US officials said at least 170 US soldiers had been killed by EFPs.

Caldwell also said the US military had evidence that Iranian intelligence agents were active in Iraq in funding, training and arming Shiite militia fighters.

"We also know that training still is being conducted in Iran for insurgent elements from Iraq," he said. "We know that as recent as last week from debriefing personnel."

"They do receive training on how to assemble and employ EFPs," Caldwell said, adding that fighters also were trained in how to carry out complex attacks that used explosives followed by assaults with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.

Caldwell opened the briefing by showing photographs of what he said were Iranian-made mortar rounds, RPG rounds and rockets that were found in Iraq.