The U.S military in Iraq says coalition forces have captured five suspected so-called special group criminals, including a suspected financier of Iranian-sponsored insurgents.

The military issued a statement saying coalition forces staged the raid early Friday, in the Admhaiyah section of Baghdad, about three kilometers northwest of Sadr City.

The special groups designation is used by the military to describe Shi'ite insurgents backed by Iran.

In other news, Kuwait's official news agency reports the country has named former military chief of staff Ali al-Momen as its first ambassador to Baghdad since the 1991 Gulf War.

The United States has been urging Sunni-ruled Arab states to establish high-level diplomatic representation to the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad.

Kuwait's decision comes shortly after the United Arab Emirates and Jordan named their own ambassadors to Iraq.  Bahrain also has announced plans to appoint an envoy.