Turkey brings down Iranian intelligent cell for planning attacks on Israelis in Istanbul: media-Xinhua

Turkey brings down Iranian intelligent cell for planning attacks on Israelis in Istanbul: media

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2022-06-22 22:15:15

ISTANBUL, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces brought down an Iranian intelligence cell operating in Turkey's biggest city Istanbul, and detained its members for allegedly preparing to attack Israelis, reported the Ihlas news agency on Wednesday.

Turkish intelligence and security forces raided on June 16 three houses and a hotel, apprehending suspects and confiscating weapons, it said, adding the number of suspects is currently undisclosed.

Turkish intelligence units had been observing the cell that arrived in Istanbul disguised as tourists, businessmen, and students, according to the agency.

The Iranian team "included hitmen and consisted of both Iranian and non-Iranian individuals," said the report, noting that the team was tailing Israeli targets for a while.

Israel had warned its citizens in Turkey of possible threats from Iranian cells one week ago, after Iran had accused Israel of assassinations against key figures with Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.