Iran arrests Daesh-linked group planning attacks

DUBAI: Iranian security forces have arrested members of a group linked to Daesh which had planned bombings and suicide attacks in religious centers, state television reported on Saturday.

Intelligence Ministry agents “were able to arrest a group linked to Daesh that intended to carry out terror operations in religious cities ... and (seized) explosive and suicide attack equipment,” the television said. It did not say how many militants were held.

The arrests came days after Iranian Revolutionary Guards fired missiles from western Iran into eastern Syria, aiming at bases of Daesh which had claimed responsibility for twin attacks that killed 18 people in Tehran on June 7.

The attacks by the militants at Iran’s Parliament and near the mausoleum of the Islamic Republic’s founder exacerbated regional tensions.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said afterward the raids would increase hatred for America.

Authorities seized three assault rifles, a machine-gun equipped with a silencer, three suicide belts, as well as explosives and bombmaking equipment, the state broadcaster IRIB said on its website on Saturday.