TEHRAN – Iranian security forces dismantled two terrorist cells in the southeastern provinces of Sistan and Balchestan provinces, and arrested 18 extremists before carrying out the planned attack.
The arrest followed extensive information and operational efforts aimed at preventing security threats in the area.
The operation was part of the ongoing martial artists of security military exercises that began in November 2024 and continue to this day. Forces from IRGC’s QUDS base, the state intelligence news department, the IRGC Salman Intelligence Organization, and Sistan and Baluchestan law enforcement commands coordinated the complex 24-hour mission. On Saturday, they intercepted and detained armed terrorists and members of a group of Takfiri operating in eastern Iran before carrying out acts of sabotage and violence.
Authorities seized considerable caches of weapons, military ammunition, communications equipment and other operational tools from extremist hideouts.
Security officials said the arrested individuals are planning to destabilize the area, spread fear among the population and disrupt economic development efforts in Southern and Balchestan.
The investigation revealed that some of the detained extremists have undergone four months of training across the border under the supervision of the same terrorist network, preparing to carry out attacks within Iran.