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Four Terrorist Cells Dismantled in Southeast Iran, 19 Arrested — AI-generated representative image: Security forces inspect seized weapons following counterterrorism operations in Sistan and Balouchestan province, Iran.

Editorial Team

Iran intelligence operations in Sistan and Balouchestan also netted three suspects accused of espionage on military facilities

Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced the arrest of 19 individuals in Sistan and Balouchestan province, including 16 members of four terrorist cells and three operatives accused of gathering and transmitting information about security and defense installations in the south of the province.

The ministry linked the dismantled cells to what it described as the "American-Zionist enemy," according to a statement from the provincial Intelligence Department.

The operation underscores ongoing security challenges in Iran's southeastern border region, which has faced recurring militant activity and cross-border threats. The arrests highlight the government's reliance on public cooperation alongside intelligence surveillance to counter both armed cells and espionage networks operating in the province.

Key Arrests and Operations

According to the Intelligence Department of Sistan and Balouchestan province, the four terrorist cells were identified in counties across the central and southern parts of the province. The operation relied on public reports, continuous intelligence surveillance and operational monitoring, carried out in cooperation with other security forces.

Some of the 16 detained terrorists had entered the country from abroad, the statement said. It added that some of those arrested were responsible for the martyrdom of several police personnel in Iranshahr county.

In a separate operation targeting agents affiliated with what the ministry called the enemy's espionage-media network, intelligence forces identified and arrested three individuals who were collecting and transmitting information about the locations of military headquarters and defense and security facilities in the southern part of the province.

Security Context in the Region

Sistan and Balouchestan, Iran's southeastern province bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long been a focal point for security operations. The region has experienced periodic attacks on security personnel and infrastructure, with authorities frequently citing foreign-backed groups as responsible for instability along the border.

Iranian officials have repeatedly accused Western and regional adversaries of supporting militant and espionage activities in the province. The use of public tip-offs through dedicated hotlines reflects an established strategy by Iranian intelligence to involve local communities in counterterrorism efforts.

Weapons Seized and Official Appeal

Security forces seized a number of weapons and military ammunition from the detainees, including nine Kalashnikov rifles, two American M4 rifles and seven handguns, along with their corresponding ammunition, according to the ministry statement.

The arrested individuals were handed over to judicial authorities. The Intelligence Ministry thanked the public for providing effective reports and called on citizens to report suspicious activities as soon as possible through the ministry's hotline at 113 or its official channels on social media.

What Happens Next

All 19 arrested individuals have been transferred to judicial authorities for further legal proceedings. The Intelligence Ministry has not disclosed additional details about the identities of those detained or the specific charges they will face, and further information is expected as the judicial process moves forward.