Intelligence Minister: Over 10 Terrorist Cells Dismantled in Iran Last Month

“The ISIL is a protégé of the US and Israel,” Alavi said on Monday, and added, “Thanks to its vigilance and full intelligence superiority, the Islamic Republic of Iran has blocked any move by them in such a way that more than 10 terrorist cells were discovered and dismantled in the (lunar) month of Moharram (October 15-November 12).”

The intelligence minister, who was addressing Muslim scholars in the Western Kurdistan province, reiterated that the present security is the result of cooperation of security, intelligence, military bodies (Army and IRGC) and the judiciary, and said, “Many of the enemies’ plots have been defused in cooperation with people.”

He underlined that the readiness of the intelligence ministry’s forces has prevented the terrorist acts.

“While you see many blasts in other countries, Iran’s unparalleled security has resulted in upgrading our world status; this is despite the serious threats posed to the establishment,” he added.

Moharram is the first month of the year on the lunar calendar and marks worldwide Shiite mournings on the martyrdom anniversary of their third Imam and grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Imam Hossein Ibn Ali (AS). Shiites gather in Mosques and other religious centers and streets in daily mourning ceremonies, specially on the first ten days to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hossein (AS) and all his 72-member army in a war against the most oppressive and cruel tyrant of the time, Caliph Yazid, back 14 centuries ago. Imam Hossein’s martyrdom – recounted through a rich body of prose, poetry and songs – remains an inspirational example of sacrifice to Shiites, who make up a majority of the Muslim population in Iran, Pakistan, Iraq and Bahrain.

The Iranian intelligence minister reiterated that the country’s intelligence and security bodies will stand against anyone who intends to harm the nation’s security irrespective of his/her faith, religion or ideology; “any group that threatens Iran’s security, the security forces will confront them”, he said.

Earlier today, Alavi underlined that his ministry is vigilantly keeping an eye on every move made by the enemies and is fully prepared to defuse and repel any type of threat to Iran.

“The country’s intelligence apparatus is fully aware of the intention of those who are looking for sound economic, scientific and research activities in the country and those who are seeking other goals,” Alavi said, addressing a meeting of Kurdistan (Western Iran) Administrative Council.

He reiterated that coordination among the country’s intelligence, security, military and judicial bodies will not allow the enemy to carry out terrorist acts in Iran.

Yesterday, Alavi announced that Tehran has increased security measures after the recent attacks in France and Lebanon by the Takfiri terrorist groups.

“The intelligence ministry’s priority is establishment of security in the country and confronting the Takfiri stream,” Alavi said, addressing a forum in Tehran.

He referred to the recent terrorist attacks in Beirut and Paris, and said the Takfiri terrorists are the most important threat to the Islamic Republic.

“Of course, the recent blasts are a serious warning to us too and they should go under scrutiny by experts,” Alavi said.

He also warned that the enemies are always after striking and influencing Iran, adding that the current volatile conditions increase the threat more than ever.

His remarks came after a series of blasts and shootings in Beirut and Paris on Thursday and Friday killed nearly 200 innocent people.

The ISIL terrorist group accepted the responsibility for the attacks.

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jafari informed on Sunday that his country had alerted Iran, France and the US of imminent terrorist attacks by ISIL in these countries before the Paris blasts and shootings took place.

Iranian officials strongly condemned the attacks and called for overall and serious fight against terrorism.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a message to his French counterpart François Hollande extended his condolences on the killing of people in a series of bombings and shootings in Paris, and reiterated the need for collective efforts to fight against terrorism.

“I, on behalf of the great Iranian nation, which itself has been one of the victims of the ominous phenomenon of terrorism, strongly condemn these anti-human crimes and extend my condolences to the bereaved nation and government of France,” President Rouhani said in his message on Saturday morning.

He expressed deep regret over the killing and wounding of a large number of innocent people in Paris, and said, “Undoubtedly, the world’s most important message in such events is more serious will and determination to launch overall fight against the terrorist groups.”

Also, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Massoud Jazzayeri warned Washington and its European allies not to replay the September 11 theatre to pressure and attack Muslims by misusing the Friday night’s terrorist events in Paris.

Jazzayeri made the remarks after a series of bombings and shootings in the French capital left over 150 people dead and scores of others injured following which certain western media attempted to blame all Muslims for the attacks.

“The French people paid the price for their government’s support for the ISIL and the Takfiri terrorism,” he said.

Jazzayeri warned the US and its allies against misusing the Paris events to attack and pressure the Muslim states like what they did against Afghanistan and Iraq after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 and 2003, and said Iran had many times warned that certain European countries’ support for the terrorists will backfire on their advocates one day.

He also referred to the Thursday terrorist attack in Beirut which killed over 40 people, and said, “The Paris and Beirut blasts are the two sides of the same coin and the international community expects the supporters of Takfiri terrorists, specially the US, France and other western governments, to give up their discriminatory approach and behavior and adopt a common and united position on these crimes.”