Iran thwarts US-backed terrorists

Jundullah militants

Iran has dismantled an offshoot of the Jundullah terrorist group, which planned to carry out covert operations in the Islamic Republic.

Sistan-Baluchestan's police commander, Brigadier General Bahram Norouzi, said Monday that the armed bandits were preparing for clandestine terrorist operations in Iran.

However, before succeeding to accomplish their objectives, the members of the group were killed, wounded or taken into custody by Iranian intelligence officers during a confrontation in the Pir-Souran mountainous area of Sistan-Baluchistan Province bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The Iranian commander added that a large amount of ammunition and several vehicles were also confiscated from the bandits.

According to Brig. Gen. Norouzi, the group is believed to be responsible for the kidnapping of sixteen Iranian police officers on June 12.

The Jundullah terrorist group earlier claimed responsibility for the hostage taking. The hostages have reportedly been moved to Pakistan.

In late June, the terrorist group announced it had killed two of the hostages.

Sistan-Baluchestan, which lies in southeastern Iran, has witnessed a spate of attacks by Jundullah (Soldiers of God) militant group in recent years.

A New Yorker report by investigative journalist Seymour Hersh in July revealed that US Congressional leaders secretly agreed last year to President George W. Bush's $400-million funding request for a major escalation in covert operations in Iran.

Actions permitted under the secret directive include 'the assassination of targeted officials' along with operations across an extensive geographic area from Lebanon to Afghanistan.

Under the ruling, the US can arm and fund terrorist groups such as the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) and Jundullah militants stationed in areas bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan.

When asked about the report of covert US operations aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic, the White House refused to comment.