Iran arrests Israeli-affiliated terrorists in SE province

Iranian intelligence forces have arrested several Israel-affiliated "terrorists" in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the semi-official Fars news agency reported Tuesday.



According to the report, the "terrorists," who have been trained in carrying out terror and sabotage operations, entered Iran through the eastern borders and were stationed in seven houses in the provincial capital Zahedan.



Different U.S.-made weapons and explosives were seized from them, the report said, without providing the exact number of the detainees.



On Monday, the Iranian Intelligence Ministry said in a statement that its forces had detained more than 40 U.S.- and Israel-affiliated "terrorists" across the provinces of Kerman, Tehran, West Azarbaijan, and Lorestan during recent "riots" in the country, and had seized large amounts of arms and explosive materials from them.



The development came as protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.