Iran's IRGC claims to dismantle Israel-linked network over 'anti-security actions'

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed Sunday to have dismantled a network of "mercenaries and collaborators" allegedly linked to Israel.

In a statement, the IRGC announced the dismantling of a network of 12 "mercenaries and collaborators of the regime," referring to Israel, across six provinces in Iran.

According to the statement, those arrested intended to carry out "anti-security actions" and were identified through "decisive intelligence" obtained by the IRGC's intelligence wing.

The IRGC further stated that, following the "disgraceful defeat" of Israel and its Western allies, particularly the US, in pursuing their "sinister and evil goals against the people of Gaza and Lebanon," Israel had orchestrated "a series of anti-security actions" within Iran.

However, the statement did not provide specific details about the identities of the individuals arrested or the nature of the "anti-security actions" they were planning.

This development comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, exacerbated by Israel's ongoing war on Gaza and related regional developments, including the intensifying conflict between Tel Aviv and Hezbollah, Iran's ally in Lebanon.

Since Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Palestinian group Hamas' political bureau, was assassinated in Tehran in late July, tensions between the two sides have dramatically escalated, with Iran vowing "hard revenge."

Over the years, Iran has arrested many individuals on charges of "spying" for Israel, including some that faced execution.

In June, Iranian security agencies arrested an alleged Israeli spy in the northwestern province of Ardabil. Authorities at the time said the individual was wanted by the country's Intelligence Ministry and had worked for Israel's Mossad spy agency.

Earlier, four individuals accused of working for Mossad were executed in January, two years after being arrested in connection with a bombing operation in the central city of Isfahan.

Just weeks prior, four other individuals reportedly linked to Mossad were executed for engaging in "extensive actions" against Iran's security, allegedly under Mossad's guidance.

In December 2023, another individual convicted of spying for Israel was executed in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchistan.