Iranian police have arrested 13 members of a terror group affiliated with ISIS in a coordinated counterterrorism operation spanning several provinces, authorities announced Wednesday.

The group had been plotting suicide bombings and other attacks in Tehran and other cities, according to Brigadier General Saeed Montazer-ol-Mahdi, the spokesperson for the Iranian Police. The arrests mark one of the most significant disruptions of an ISIS terrorist plot in Iran in recent years.

The suspects were detained in recent days during a complex operation involving police forces in Tehran, Esfahan, Qom, and Alborz provinces. All 13 individuals, including the group’s leader, were apprehended before they could carry out their plans.

“This group had been preparing for bombing and suicide missions,” Montazer-ol-Mahdi said, confirming that the operation successfully neutralized the threat.

Police confirm arrest of 13 ISIS suspects, including leader

Authorities confiscated a cache of terrorist equipment during the raids, including suicide belts and explosive-laden backpacks, which were intended for use in the planned attacks.

The arrests show growing concerns in the region about ISIS-linked plots targeting civilian and governmental infrastructure. Iranian officials have previously warned of attempts by ISIS to re-establish its network inside Iran following its territorial losses in Iraq and Syria.

Days of surveillance, intelligence

The coordinated counterterrorism operation, according to police, relied on days of surveillance and intelligence gathering. All suspects are currently in custody and are being interrogated by security officials.

Montazer-ol-Mahdi emphasized that the operation prevented a potentially devastating series of attacks and praised the rapid response of Iranian police and security forces.

More details to follow, says police spokesperson

While further specifics about the plot have not yet been disclosed, Montazer-ol-Mahdi stated that more information on the arrests and the group’s plans will be released in the coming days.

The Iranian government has ramped up domestic counterterrorism operations in recent months amid increased regional instability and continued threats from extremist groups operating beyond its borders.