Iran thwarts 30 simultaneous explosions in Tehran, arrests 28 suspects linked to ISIL
Iranian authorities have successfully thwarted a chilling plot to unleash 30 simultaneous explosions in the heart of Tehran, the bustling capital of Iran.
This sinister plan, aimed at plunging the city into chaos and fear, was meticulously dismantled by Iranian security forces, leading to the arrest of 28 individuals with ties to the extremist group ISIL.
The Ministry of Intelligence, in an official statement carried by state media, disclosed that these 30 “terrorist explosions” were intended to target crowded city centers.
Swift and coordinated raids conducted across Tehran, Alborz, and West Azerbaijan provinces led to the apprehension of these suspects. The Ministry’s actions have undoubtedly prevented a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions.
“The explosions were planned with the aim of breaking the country’s security authority, creating an unstable image of the country, sowing despair and fear in society, and instigating chaos and protests, exactly during the anniversary of last year’s riots,” the statement noted.
This reference harks back to the wave of protests and unrest that swept across Iran in mid-September 2022, triggered by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, while in police custody.
The arrested individuals, whose identities remain undisclosed, are all believed to be linked to the extremist group ISIL, with some of them having a history of cooperating with “takfiris” in various countries, including Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Kurdistan region in Iraq. “Takfiri” is a term denoting Muslims who accuse others of apostasy or disbelief, often carrying a deadly connotation.
In a startling revelation, the Ministry of Intelligence suggested that the technical sophistication of the planned attacks bore a “meaningful match” with the known methods and tactics employed by Iran’s longstanding adversary, Israel.
A significant cache of explosives, electronic detonation devices, 17 U.S.-made pistols, communication equipment, military-grade attire, suicide vests, and foreign currencies were seized during these operations. Regrettably, two intelligence agents sustained injuries during the raids.
Footage released by state media depicted the suspects under surveillance by drones prior to their arrests, showcasing the meticulous planning involved in the operations. Additionally, suspects were seen excavating concealed caches of explosive materials.
It’s worth noting that ISIL had previously claimed responsibility for an attack on the holy Shah Cheragh shrine in October, resulting in 13 casualties and numerous injuries. A second attack on the same shrine in August, which claimed two lives, was also attributed to ISIL, leading to the arrest of several foreign nationals linked to the incident. In response to last year’s attack, two individuals from neighboring Afghanistan were convicted as ISIL agents and publicly executed in early June. For the recent attack, the perpetrator, Rahmatollah Nowruzof from Tajikistan, received two death sentences, as confirmed by Iran’s judiciary.
Two additional suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were sentenced to five years in prison and expelled from the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian authorities have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to national security and have successfully thwarted a grave threat to the stability of Tehran and the entire nation. The world watches closely as investigations into this alarming plot continue.
