Iran denies capture of 'police' in Iraq

KHANAQIN, Iraq, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- Iranian officials Friday denied allegations five members of its police force were kidnapped by Iraqis and brought over the border for detention.

The Voices of Iraq news service Friday said one Iranian was killed and another captured in border clashes in Iraq's eastern provinces.

"The forces killed and detained the two Iranians during clashes that broke out in Sheikh Saad district in the south of (the eastern city of) Kut," said Iraqi Maj. Aziz Latief.

Officials point to increased activity along the eastern border with Iran, suggesting members of Iran's elite Quds Force are trying to shore up their influence in Iraq.

Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Abbas Mohtaj told the Islamic Republic News Agency Friday, however, claims that Iranian forces were in custody in Iraq were false.

"Having heard of rumors that five policemen of our country were kidnapped on (the) border, related officials and authorities were immediately assigned with the task of looking into the issue," he said. "After necessary investigations, it became clear that the report is by no means true."

Meanwhile, Multi-National Forces-Iraq reported the Sunni paramilitary force Sons of Iraq handed over an Iranian-backed "Special Groups" gunman to national forces in southern Baghdad Thursday.

U.S. and some Iraqi officials note Iranian agents continue to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs.