Clerics among 20 detained in Bahrain over alleged Iran links PHOTO / UPDATED

Security forces in Bahrain have detained 20 people, including five Shiite clerics, on suspicion of cooperation with Iran, according to Tasnim.

The arrests come amid rising regional tensions and an escalation in the confrontation between the United States and Iran.

According to the agency, the total number of detained Shiite clerics and activists in the country has risen to 58 since the start of the US-Israeli war.

09:00

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 15 individuals described as "field operatives implementing inciting directives in the case of Iranian agents in the country," according to foreign media.

The group worked to influence citizens, particularly young people, and draw them into activities classified as criminal offences under Bahraini law, the statement read.

The network exploited social infiltration by establishing cells tasked with carrying out the agendas of unlawful entities, the ministry said. It added that the suspects were linked to individuals previously implicated in a Bahrain case involving agents connected to Iran.

Legal action has been initiated against those arrested, while search and investigation efforts remain ongoing to identify and take appropriate measures against anyone found to be involved in the cell’s activities or other unlawful acts.

The Ministry said it has been monitoring the operatives and that the measures taken are aimed at safeguarding the security and safety of the wider community.

The statement further affirmed that the ministry would continue its efforts to confront anyone seeking to undermine civil peace or fuel division and discord within Bahraini society.

By Jeyhun Aghazada