Iran Dismantles Two Terrorist Cells in Sistan and Baluchestan

TEHRAN: Iran’s Intelligence Ministry says security forces have dismantled two organized terrorist-takfiri cells in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, arresting four members and killing two others during clashes in the city of Khash. In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry said the groups were affiliated with terrorist-takfiri organizations and allegedly linked to US-Israeli intelligence services. The cells were identified while attempting to enter the country.

The ministry said intelligence forces carried out a series of operations in Khash before the suspects could conduct any hostile activities. Four members were arrested, while two others were killed during clashes with security forces. According to the statement, the trained cells had allegedly been assigned to destabilize Sistan and Baluchestan and target economic infrastructure in the southern part of the province.

The ministry also announced the dismantling of a four-member organized criminal gang in Zahedan that was allegedly planning to kidnap local residents and extort their families. All four suspects were arrested along with weapons and other equipment, the ministry said, adding that the operations were part of continuing efforts to strengthen public security and counter organized threats in the province.