The Iranian authorities on Monday raised to 26 the number of people arrested for their alleged connection with the attack perpetrated in late October against a mausoleum in the city of Shiraz (south), an event that resulted in thirteen deaths and nearly 40 wounded.
The Iranian Intelligence Ministry said that a total of 26 «terrorists» had been arrested by the security forces and stressed that this was one of the «most complex and extensive» operations undertaken to date in the country.
He also revealed that several «agents» who entered Iran to carry out «similar operations» have been arrested, including Azeri, Tajik and Afghan nationals, as reported by the Iranian news agency Mehr.
Finally, he noted that the «main element» coordinating the cell’s operations is an Azeri national who entered Iran on a flight from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, after which he contacted elements of the Islamic State jihadist group in Afghanistan.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on the mausoleum of Shah Cheragh, which took place while worshippers were performing their prayers. In the aftermath, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said that protests following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, arrested for allegedly wearing the veil incorrectly, «pave the way» for such attacks.
The mausoleum, which contains the tomb of Ahmed bin Musa — brother of Imam Ali Reza, descendant of Mohammed and eighth imam of the Shiite Duodecimans, the majority in Iran — is the third most important in the country, behind those of Ali Reza himself and that of Fatima Masumé, sister of the latter,
