Iran Arrests 17 'Mercenaries' Linked to US and Israel

Ilam (ANTARA) - Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has announced the arrest of 17 individuals accused of working as ‘treacherous mercenaries’ for the United States and Israel during a security operation in western Iran. The arrests were made based on intelligence surveillance and information from the public, the ministry said in a statement, as quoted by Iranian news agency IRNA on Monday (22/6). Three of those arrested were identified as field leaders of a sabotage network operating in Ilam Province. The ministry stated the suspects are alleged to have been involved in activities disrupting security, including damaging and setting fire to public facilities, shootings, recording videos, and symbolic actions intended to spread fear and terror among the public. During searches of the suspects, Iranian authorities discovered three blocks of TNT explosives, one Kalashnikov rifle, one grenade, and several sharp weapons, including machetes. In addition to the three individuals named as network leaders, 14 other suspects were also arrested for allegedly being members of the sabotage network. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the suspects or details regarding the legal proceedings they will face.