Azerbaijan State Security Service: Iran-linked terror and sabotage plots thwarted

The State Security Service (DTX) of Azerbaijan announced that it had "determined that elements linked to the IRGC were preparing to carry out terror and sabotage acts in Azerbaijan." The DTX reported that these activities were thwarted in line with comprehensive counter-intelligence operations.

The statement noted that "the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Israeli Embassy in Azerbaijan, a leader of the Mountain Jews Religious Community, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue were selected as targets in order to create panic in society and damage Azerbaijan’s international reputation." Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that Iranian citizens Rustamzada Behnam Sahibali and Zandkian Yaser Rahim, by establishing criminal ties with Azerbaijani citizen Guliyev Tarhan, organized the smuggling of explosive devices into the country. 7 kilograms and 730 grams of "C-4" type explosive material were seized from a container located near the Shikhov settlement in the Sabail district of the capital, Baku.

The investigation also determined that, in accordance with instructions from individuals linked to the IRGC, two more C-4 type remote-controlled explosive devices were smuggled into the country and hidden in different locations. It was stated that another explosive device weighing 1,280 grams, with an effective radius of approximately 250-300 meters, was discovered within the borders of the Garadagh district in Baku.

Assassination plot against a public official uncovered

During the investigations, it was stated that an assassination plot prepared by the IRGC against a public official in Azerbaijan was uncovered. It was reported that for this purpose, certain individuals were instructed to take photos and video footage of the target's workplace and to procure weapons and vehicles. It was noted that the terror plots were thwarted as a result of operations carried out by the DTX.

7 people arrested in connection with the incident

Azerbaijani citizens Quliyev Tarhan, Agayev Nijat, Abdullayev Asad, and Rustamov Reshad were found guilty under the relevant articles and sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison. Additionally, Shabanova Nermine and Ismiyev Naib were held criminally liable on charges of preparing an assassination against a public official, while Ahmedov Elvin was held liable for the illegal possession of weapons and explosives, and arrest warrants were issued for them.

International arrest warrants for four Iranian citizens

Within the scope of the investigation, it was determined that IRGC Intelligence Organization official Ali Asghar Bordbar Sheramini was also involved in organizing the terror plots. International arrest warrants have been issued for Iranian citizens Zandkian Yaser Rahim, Rustamzada Behnam Sahibali, Azarundbileh Hosein Savar Saber, and Sheikhzadeh Sajjad Moghadam Sati Sofi Evad.

The DTX reported that operational and investigative efforts regarding terror and sabotage activities planned by foreign intelligence services in Azerbaijan are ongoing.

News Source: 12punto