On January 19, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced that its forces successfully killed two foreign nationals, identified as terrorists, and apprehended several others, including key ringleaders associated with the Islamic State (IS), the Xinhua News Agency reported. This operation was carried out in connection with a recent terrorist attack in the southeastern Iranian city of Kerman.
Swift action against foreign nationals
The Intelligence Ministry revealed that the two foreign nationals had entered Iran shortly after the terrorist attack in Kerman, with intentions to carry out another assault. In an exchange of fire with the province's intelligence forces, both individuals were killed. The operation not only eliminated the immediate threat but also unveiled a planned attack on a law enforcement centre in Kerman, along with a bomb trap strategically placed on the route of police reinforcements.
Cache of weapons and explosives seized
During the operation, security forces confiscated a substantial cache of weaponry and bomb-making materials. The seized items included homemade bombs, detonators, machine guns, magazines, hand grenades, and other materials indicative of a coordinated and well-planned terrorist plot.
Arrest of IS ringleaders
Among the apprehended IS ringleaders is "Abu Imran," also known as Mohammad Imran Tanvir, a bomb-making specialist affiliated with IS-Khorasan. Another prominent figure arrested is Adel Aref, also known as "Adel Panjshiril," who was found hiding in a neighbourhood in Tehran.
Context of previous attack
The recent terrorist attacks occurred on January 3, near the tomb of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani. Thousands had gathered to commemorate the fourth anniversary of his death resulting from a drone strike ordered by then-U.S. President Donald Trump on January 3, 2020. The IS terrorist group claimed responsibility for the bombings on January 4, asserting that two suicide attackers carried out the blasts.
Broader implications: widespread arrests
Following the Kerman incident, on January 11, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of 35 individuals across six provinces in connection with the terrorist attacks. Among the detainees was a Tajik national named Abdollah Tajiki, identified as one of the suicide bombers involved in the attacks.
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