16 members of four alleged terrorist groups arrested in Iran amid tensions
Pars Today
Iranian authorities said the arrests were part of a crackdown on US and Israeli intelligence and media networks. A report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened Iran ahead of the election in an effort to win support from Jewish voters. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also threatened attacks.
Iran's intelligence authorities have arrested 16 members of four terrorist groups in the country's Sistan and Baluchestan province. The groups were dismantled during raids in the central and southern parts of the province on Friday (October 30). Iran claims the groups were active with the support of the United States and Israel.
During the operation, nine Kalashnikovs, two US-made M-4 rifles and seven pistols were seized. Ammunition for these weapons was also recovered. The provincial intelligence department said several of the arrested individuals had entered Iran from abroad. They were detained following sustained intelligence surveillance and information provided by members of the public. Other security agencies assisted in the operation.
Authorities said several of the detainees were involved in the killing of a group of police officers in Iranshahr. After arrest, they were handed over to judicial authorities.
Additionally, three more people were arrested from the southern part of the province. They are accused of gathering and passing on information about the locations of defence and security installations. Iranian authorities said the arrests were part of a crackdown on US and Israeli intelligence and media networks. A report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had threatened Iran ahead of the election in an effort to win support from Jewish voters. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also threatened attacks. The news of the arrest of individuals linked to the networks of those two countries came amid such tensions.
Meanwhile, thousands of Iranians gathered at Enghelab Square in the capital Tehran on Thursday night. They chanted slogans against the United States and Israel. The entire square echoed with chants of "Allahu Akbar." Tensions remain high across the country.
Amid the tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that the country's armed forces were ready. However, he also noted that there is room for diplomacy. Tehran is maintaining close and regular contact with mediators in an effort to advance diplomatic initiatives.
On the other hand, Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov said Iran can never be forced to surrender by escalating tensions.
