How creepy is the list of implements in the fourth paragraph??? 😟
Al Mayadeen: Iran arrests 470 linked to foreign-backed unrest
Iranian security forces arrested over 470 individuals in Khorasan Razavi, Lorestan, and Zanjan for involvement in deadly riots and terrorist acts, many tied to foreign-backed groups and US-Israeli networks.
Iranian security and intelligence forces have arrested more than 470 individuals across three provinces, identifying them as key agents behind recent violent unrest and terrorist acts linked to foreign-backed networks.
The Intelligence Ministry's provincial office in Khorasan Razavi announced the arrest of 192 armed terrorists, described as the main operatives behind deadly riots in the region. According to an official statement, the detainees were involved in the killing of civilians and security personnel, arson attacks on mosques, public infrastructure, and buses, as well as assaults on military and police centers.
Seized items included Kalashnikov rifles, hunting weapons, Winchester rifles, bulletproof vests, and an array of cold weapons such as daggers, tactical knives, crossbows, swords, brass knuckles, and chains.
Authorities confirmed that several of the detainees were linked to hostile movements and foreign terrorist organizations, while others were members of violent criminal gangs that participated directly in the unrest.
IRGC captures 134 linked to US-'Israel' network in Lorestan
In Lorestan province, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the arrest of 134 individuals, described as the ringleaders and field agents of a US-Israeli terrorist network.
According to the IRGC, these individuals established terror cells during the recent disturbances and carried out acts described as “Daesh-like” in nature. They wounded security personnel using firearms and bladed weapons, and deliberately targeted mosques, banks, shops, and both public and private vehicles with firebombs and vandalism.
In Zanjan province, law enforcement authorities detained 150 individuals, accusing them of orchestrating riots, destroying property, and inciting violence in city squares. Security officials stated the group was responsible for spilling the blood of innocent civilians, attempting to storm military sites, and spreading terror among the population. A range of cold weapons was seized during the operation.
Officials have linked the wave of violence to foreign-sponsored sabotage, following public remarks from US and Israeli figures that were widely perceived as incitement.
What began as peaceful protests over economic hardship late last month quickly escalated into violent unrest, as foreign-backed operatives and mercenaries engaged in deadly attacks and the destruction of public and private property. Security forces continue to investigate and dismantle armed networks tied to external intelligence services operating within Iran’s borders.
Iran intelligence says it dismantled a 32-member sabotage network
On that note, a few days earlier, on January 17, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced that it had identified a 32-member network accused of involvement in riots and acts of sabotage in Tehran and several other Iranian provinces.
In a statement, the ministry said 12 key members of the network had been arrested, while 13 others were summoned for questioning. According to the ministry, the core of the network was based in Mashhad, where its members carried out acts of sabotage, including the burning of religious sites. The ministry added that one of the detained suspects had made several trips to the occupied Palestinian territories, which it described as an indication of contact with external actors linked to the unrest.
Separately, Hassan Hemmati Far, the public prosecutor of Khorasan Razavi province, said earlier that more than 10 individuals accused of attacking and killing victims in Mashhad’s Tabarsi Street had been arrested. He added that authorities had also detained 22 alleged ringleaders of riots, 50 individuals accused of vandalism, such as setting public and private property on fire, and 38 people accused of committing violent acts against civilians.
