Saudi security topples terrorist cell trained in Iran

Fatima Abdul Ghani

The spokesman for Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security revealed that his country’s security forces managed to topple a new terrorist cell in a preemptive operation that enabled the arrest of 10 accused terrorists who received military and field training, including how to make explosives, at Iranian Revolutionary Guard sites during the period from October 29 to December 8, 2017.

According to security investigations, three of them were trained in Iran, while the rest were associated with the cell in different roles and were identified.

The official spokesperson for the Saudi Presidency of State Security, Major General Bassam Attia, pointed out that a number of weapons and explosives were seized hidden in a house and at a farm, including explosives, fuses and electronic detonators, as well as machine guns, rifles, pistols and ammunition. They also found night vision goggles, communication devices, computers, cameras, mobile phones and other equipment.

The authorities are conducting investigations with all those arrested to find out more information about their activities and any persons connected to them domestically or abroad, and will refer them to the judiciary after completing the investigations.

In this context, Attia, said, “The toppling of the terrorist cell is an achievement for Saudi Arabia.”

“Every Saudi success is a failure for Iran,” he added, stressing that “Saudi Arabia seeks for the good of the region, not for private gain.”

It is noteworthy that in January 2016, Riyadh cut its diplomatic relations with Iran due to protesters’ attacks on its embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad in northern Iran, where they set them ablaze in protest against the execution of a Saudi convicted of terrorism.

Iran has also acted through its proxies to threaten the stability and security of neighboring countries, at the forefront Saudi Arabia, by targeting vital oil installations and threatening their security.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz said in his speech before the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York via video that a firm international stance is needed to prevent the Iranian regime from obtaining weapons of mass destruction.

The Saudi monarch stressed that the Iranian regime does not care about the stability of the global economy, noting that Saudi Arabia has extended its hand to peace with Tehran and has dealt with it positively for decades, although experiences with the mullahs have taught that partial solutions do not stop the Iranian threats.

“The world is seeing, again and again, the Iranian regime’s expansionist and terrorist activities,” he said, adding that Tehran targeted Saudi oil facilities last year. He also stressed that the Kingdom, based on its position in the Muslim world, has a special and historical responsibility to protect its tolerant Islamic beliefs from attempts at distorting the religion by terrorist organizations and extremist groups.