Iran detains ISIL terrorists in major operation

Iranian Ministry of Intelligence agents have detained a group of 12 individuals linked to ISIL, including two high-ranking leaders and members of a radical Takfiri group.

Esmail Khatib, head of the ministry, confirmed that the operation also resulted in the arrest of approximately 20 illegal immigrants, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Among those detained, 12 were identified as operatives preparing for terrorist attacks within Iran. Khatib noted that the two ISIL leaders had connections with countries outside of Iran’s borders.

The identities of the detainees have not been disclosed by the ministry.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or simply the Islamic State (IS), is a jihadist militant group that gained international prominence in the early 2010s.

ISIL is known for its brutal tactics, including mass executions, beheadings, suicide bombings, and other forms of terrorism. It targets civilians, government forces, and rival groups.

The group effectively used social media and online propaganda to recruit fighters from around the world and spread its ideology.

ISIL has inspired and established affiliate groups in various regions, including Libya, Nigeria (Boko Haram), Afghanistan (ISIS-K), and the Philippines.

A coalition of Iraqi, Syrian, Kurdish, and international forces, supported by airstrikes and ground operations, significantly weakened ISIL, culminating in the recapture of its last territorial stronghold in Baghuz, Syria, in 2019.

Despite losing territory, ISIL remains a significant security threat, conducting insurgent attacks in Iraq and Syria and inspiring global jihadist activities.