IRGC Dismantles Alleged Spy Networks in Western Iran
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TEHRAN (AP) — The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Friday that it has dismantled intelligence and sabotage networks operating in Iran’s Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, accusing the United States and Israel of backing the groups.
The IRGC stated in a press release that the operation, concluded on Friday, targeted cells planning attacks along the western border. The military branch said it arrested dozens of suspects and seized weapons and communication equipment during raids across the two provinces. Officials described the groups as foreign-backed entities aiming to destabilize the region ahead of a potential offensive.
General Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, addressed the media in Tehran, confirming the arrests and the seizure of materials linked to the alleged plots. He said the groups were preparing for coordinated attacks on military and infrastructure targets. The IRGC did not specify the number of arrests or the identities of those detained.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Iran has long accused Western powers of supporting opposition groups within its borders. The United States and Israel have not commented on the specific allegations made by the IRGC. No independent confirmation of the arrests or the nature of the seized materials has been provided.
Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces are located in western Iran, bordering Iraq and Turkey. The area has seen periodic unrest in recent years, with Kurdish separatist movements and other groups operating in the region. The IRGC has frequently conducted operations against suspected insurgents and foreign agents in these areas.
The timing of the announcement is significant. It follows a series of cyberattacks and drone incidents attributed to Iranian forces in the Middle East. The IRGC has not linked these events to the dismantled networks, but officials suggested the arrests were part of a broader effort to secure the country’s borders.
Iranian state media broadcast footage of the seized equipment, including encrypted radios and explosives. The IRGC said the materials were intended for use in sabotage operations against government facilities. No details were provided about the specific locations of the raids or the timeline of the planned attacks.
The operation marks the latest in a series of security crackdowns by the IRGC in western Iran. Previous operations have targeted similar groups, with the military claiming to have prevented multiple attacks. The effectiveness of these operations has been questioned by human rights groups, which have raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the lack of transparency.
As of Friday evening, no further details had been released about the fate of the arrested suspects. The IRGC has not indicated whether the individuals will face public trials or be held in military custody. Questions remain about the extent of the alleged foreign involvement and the specific plans of the dismantled networks.
The situation in western Iran remains fluid, with the potential for further security operations. The IRGC has not ruled out additional arrests or the discovery of other cells. International observers are watching closely for developments that could impact regional stability.