Iran: Security sweep in Gilan uncovers explosives, drone spying network 36 arrested

Authorities in Iran’s northern Gilan Province have arrested 36 individuals on serious national security charges, including collaboration with hostile foreign powers, the police announced on June 22.

According to the provincial police commander, the arrests followed heightened security operations across the region, including temporary checkpoints and intensified monitoring efforts, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Those detained are accused of offences ranging from spreading public unrest and filming military sites using drones, to deliberate arson, the production of improvised explosive devices, and collaboration with anti-state groups.

In addition to the arrests, security forces reportedly uncovered a cache of potentially dangerous materials.

The items seized include 50 ready-to-detonate explosive packages, four handmade bombs, 20 acid batteries, 15 telecommunications devices, one surveillance drone, two Starlink internet receivers, and 39 unregistered electronic devices.

By Aghakazim Guliyev