Iran Intelligence Ministry arrests two arms smuggling suspects in western Iran

Iran's Ministry of Intelligence has arrested two members of an arms smuggling network in western Iran, according to a report by Mehr News. The arrests were announced by the ministry's public relations office, which stated that the two individuals were apprehended in connection with arms trafficking activities in the region. Further details about the identities of the suspects or the specific location of the arrests were not immediately provided.

In a separate operation, the Public Relations Office of the Intelligence Department of Sistan and Baluchestan province, in southeastern Iran, announced the dismantling of three operational cells linked to a Takfiri terrorist group. The cells were identified in the counties of Iranshahr, Sarbaz, Saravan, and Zahedan, as well as in Qeshm city in the southern province of Hormozgan. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the General Department of Intelligence of Hormozgan Province.

According to the statement, the three terrorist cells were dismantled before they could carry out any acts of sabotage or terrorist activities. During clashes with security and intelligence forces, two members of the terrorist teams were killed, while ten other members were arrested. The report did not specify the exact timing of the operations or the names of those involved.

The announcement reflects ongoing efforts by Iranian intelligence agencies to counter armed groups and smuggling networks operating in border regions. Sistan and Baluchestan, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has seen periodic clashes between security forces and militant groups in the past. The ministry's statement did not provide additional information about the broader investigation or any potential links between the arrested individuals and other networks.

Mehr News reported that the operations were conducted as part of the ministry's efforts to maintain security in the region. The report did not include further details about the weapons seized or the specific charges faced by the suspects. Iranian authorities have not issued additional comments on the matter.