TEHRAN: Iran Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of 14 people suspected of being affiliated with the ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) branch on Friday.
The arrests were made as part of a series of operations conducted across four provinces: Tehran, Alborz, Fars, and Khuzestan.
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The ministry revealed that the suspects entered Iran illegally in recent days and were allegedly planning to carry out terrorist activities within the country.
The operations led to the arrest of seven suspects in Fars province, while the remaining seven were detained in Tehran, Alborz, and Khuzestan.
The identities and nationalities of the detainees have not been disclosed by the Ministry of Intelligence. However, the ministry called on citizens and officials of religious institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, particularly in light of the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage.
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The announcement follows a series of violent incidents attributed to ISIS-K in Iran over the past two years. The roster group claimed responsibility for attacks on the Shahcheragh Shrine in Shiraz in 2022 and on a commemoration event for the late IRGC Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in Kerman in January. The group’s actions have been part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the region.
ISIS-K has also been active in neighbouring regions. Recent reports indicate an increase in attacks by the group in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The group claimed responsibility for a recent attack on a Taliban ranger in Nangarhar’s Dara-e-Noor district and has also been involved in attacks on Pakistani military personnel in the Khyber and Bajaur districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence stated it was necessary for heightened security measures and public awareness to counter potential threats from extremist groups.