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Iran arrests 27 suspects over Ramadan ‘terrorist’ plot
TEHRAN, June 12, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Iran’s intelligence ministry said on
Monday it had arrested 27 members of a “terrorist network” suspected of
planning attacks last week to coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The group plotted to “carry out terrorist operations in Tehran and some
other important cities,” the ministry said in a statement on its website.
“They published pictures in cyberspace threatening the honourable nation
of Iran with revenge and murder.”
It said the attacks were due to take place last week during the Qadr
festival and on Jerusalem Day, held each year in solidarity with the
Palestinians.
A large number of weapons and ammunition were confiscated, the ministry
added.
Iran is a key target for Sunni jihadists, who see its Shiite majority as
apostates. Iran has also directly fought the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda
in Iraq and Syria.
Its Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday they had fought off three attempts
by “terrorist groups” to infiltrate from neighbouring Iraq in recent days,
leaving several dead.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1336 hrs