BAGHDAD (AP): The U.S. military arrested 14 suspected militants from two groups with alleged links to Iran in a string of raids Sunday across Baghdad.

U.S. troops captured eight alleged members of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of the so-called ``Special Groups'' of Shiite extremists in Iraq that allegedly get support from Tehran, in two separate operations in the districts of New Baghdad and Azamiyah, the military said in a statement.

The U.S. has accused Asaib Ahl al-Haq of using explosively formed penetrators, powerful roadside bombs that are believed to have come from Iran and have been used by Shiite groups to attack American troops.

In two other raids in Azamiyah, U.S. forces arrested six suspected militants from Kataib al-Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades. The military said the operation was targeting an alleged special operations group member believed to be responsible for attacks against American and Iraqi troops.

Iran denies giving any support to Shiite extremists in Iraq.