Iran: Tehran says eight Sunni militants arrested for planning attacks during past week
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 February 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iran: Tehran says eight Sunni militants arrested for planning attacks during past week, 12 February 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a52612.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 12, 2017
Iranian Intelligence Minister Mahmud Alavi (file photo)
Iran's Intelligence Minister Mahmud Alavi says security forces have arrested eight hard-line Sunni Islamists who were suspected of planning attacks to disrupt celebrations marking the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Alavi said on February 11 that the eight suspects were all foreigners and that some were linked to a Sunni militant leader who had been killed in Iran.
He said the eight were planning attacks in Tehran and "several other cities' and had been "under the direct guidance of persons based in neighboring countries."
Alavi did not give details about which countries the suspects came from.
Iran's Prosecutor-General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said security forces crushed a cell linked to the so-called Islamic State that wanted to "sabotage" Islamic Revolution anniversary rallies on February 10 near Tehran.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and IRNA
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
