TEHRAN, 30 August. - (ANA) - Tens of spies have been identified and arrested throughout various government organizations, says Iran's intelligence minister.

 

Mahmoud Alavi made the announcement on Tuesday, while noting that most of these detained individuals had dual nationality.

 

"The Intelligence Ministry's anti-espionage division is one of its most powerful divisions," stressed Alavi.

 

He further noted since the beginning of the month various anti-terror operations have been carried out throughout the country. Alavi added that terrorist groups are trying to instigating sectarian violence in Iran.

 

"They wanted to assassinate five Sunni clerics... but we foiled their plot," he added.

 

He also announced that a Daesh terrorist had been apprehended in southern Iran, and a "terrorist cell" disbanded in the country's north.

 

Several bombing plots in underground stations and universities have also been foiled, he noted

 

On Monday, Alavi said the country's security forces have disbanded two terrorist teams in the western parts of Iran.

 

Speaking to the IRIB news agency on Monday, Alavi added that the terrorist outfits were affiliated to hostile countries and arrested through intelligence operations.

 

One of the terrorist teams had 12 members who were identified and arrested by the Iranian forces, he said.

 

Earlier this month, Iran discovered and seized a considerable amount of semi-heavy weapons and ammunition in the central province of Kerman.  - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/30 August 2018 - - - -