TEHRAN - Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi announced on Tuesday that several terrorist cells have been disbanded in Iran over the past few months, noting that a number of terrorist operations were also discovered in the month of Muharram during which religious rituals are held for Imam Hussein (AS).

Speaking in a press conference, Alavi said 14 of the agents involved in terrorist operations in Safiabad in the southwestern city of Dezful as well as another 10 in east of the country were also identified and arrested.

Alavi also noted that members of the terrorist team which were responsible for armed attack against the governor’s office in the city of Susangerd on November 7 in the southwestern province of Khuzestan were arrested. He said they were supported by certain “reactionary regional countries”.

The minister added that over 20 operatives, who were travelling between Iran and neighboring Syria and Iraq, were detained in border areas.
The minister also said the Russian air attacks against terrorists in Syria have put “security pressure” on Iran.
Iran and Russia have been backing the Syrian government against the terrorists.

The intelligence chief said the Russian attacks in Syria have provoked the “enemies to challenge” the security of the Islamic Republic of Iran more than ever.

SP/P