Media: Iran foils major terror, arms smuggling plots in coordinated security sweep

Iranian security forces have successfully thwarted multiple terrorist and arms smuggling plots in two provinces, killing a senior commander of the Jaish al-Zolm terrorist group and dismantling a weapons trafficking network.

As part of the ongoing “Martyrs of Security” operations, Iranian forces conducted a high-stakes raid at dawn on April 18 in the Korin district of Zahedan, located in the restive Sistan and Balouchestan province, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The operation targeted a high-ranking member of Jaish al-Zolm—a group designated as a terrorist organization by Iran—and was carried out by units from the Quds Headquarters, with support from the General Directorate of Intelligence, the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA), local residents, and tribal elders.

Vali Mohammad Shahbakhsh, described as a senior operational commander of Jaish al-Zolm and a central figure in last year’s terrorist attacks in the region, was killed during the clash. Multiple local outlaws were also arrested in the course of the mission.

Iranian authorities reported that several weapons and a cache of ammunition were recovered from the scene. However, the operation was not without losses; one Basij volunteer fighter, Es’haq Mokhtari, a member of the Quds Headquarters’ security unit, was martyred in the engagement.

In a separate but related security operation, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization in Gilan province dismantled a sophisticated arms smuggling ring. The network had been attempting to transport firearms from western provinces into Gilan with the alleged aim of conducting “anti-security” activities.

Local sources in Rasht confirmed that the IRGC intelligence teams carried out an extensive surveillance and intelligence-gathering campaign before launching the coordinated strike. With judicial cooperation, provincial IRGC units moved in to neutralize the network.

A substantial quantity of weapons and military-grade ammunition was confiscated during the raid, and several suspects linked to the operation were arrested. Authorities have yet to release their identities or provide details on the group's wider affiliations or operational intentions.

Iranian officials hailed the dual operations as a major victory in the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve national security and stability amid increasing threats from militant groups and criminal networks operating in border provinces.

By Vafa Guliyeva