IRGC arrests 12 Israeli-linked operatives, dismantles network

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Sep 2024 21:36

The IRGC says the elements were operating across six provinces in Iran and were involved in "planning to take action against the security" of the Iranian people.

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IRGC members march during an annual armed force parade marking the anniversary of the beginning of the Iran-Iraq war 44 years ago, in front of the shrine of the late Iranian Leader Sayyed Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. (AP)

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Sunday that it has identified and dismantled an Israeli-affiliated network operating across six provinces in Iran.

In a statement, the IRGC confirmed that it arrested 12 "operatives collaborating with the Zionist regime," who were reportedly involved in "planning to take action against the security" of the Iranian people.

The IRGC emphasized that these actions are part of a broader agenda by "Israel", which, following the failure of its efforts alongside its Western and European allies—particularly the United States—in achieving its "sinister and demonic" objectives in Gaza and Lebanon, has resorted to launching a series of anti-security measures within Iran.

In mid-June, Iranian intelligence forces apprehended an individual in the central province of Qom on charges of affiliation with the Israeli Mossad spy agency and collaboration with foreign-based media outlets engaged in anti-Iran propaganda.

The agent was identified and detained after multiple attempts to incite unrest following the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022, Tasnim reported. The individual was also accused of making derogatory remarks against Iranian authorities and law enforcement online.

Thorough investigations revealed documents confirming the individual's connections to Mossad and collaboration with foreign-based, anti-Iran satellite television channels. The accused was reportedly handed over to judicial authorities for legal action.

This arrest follows another recent capture earlier in June in the northwestern province of Ardabil, where Iranian intelligence forces detained another individual on charges of espionage for Mossad. The fugitive, wanted by Iran's Intelligence Ministry, was arrested following an order from the Prosecutor's Office in Ardabil Province.

The Media Bureau of the provincial Prosecutor's Office reported that the Mossad agent maintained close contact with high-ranking Israeli intelligence officers via social media and gathered critical information for them under the guise of a news editor.

The agent had traveled across several provinces seeking refuge and attempted to leave Iran before being captured in a surprise operation in Ardabil Province.

Following the arrest, Mossad reportedly took immediate action to close the agent's user accounts and delete related information to mitigate the fallout.