Two Suspected ISKP members Arrested in Iran Before Entering a Shrine

Iranian security forces arrested two suspected members of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) at the revered shrine of Fatima Masoumeh in Qom, according to Iranian media outlets Qom News and Hawzah News.

The suspects were apprehended during a security check at the shrine’s entrance. Hawzah News, known for its coverage of religious sites and schools, published images of the suspects, suggesting their identification likely occurred before they could enter the shrine.

While no details regarding confiscated weapons or explosives were reported, Iranian media claims the suspects harbored potential terrorist intentions.

This arrest comes amidst heightened regional concern about ISKP activity. In the past few months, the group has launched deadly attacks in Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Notably, a concert hall attack in the Moscow suburbs just two weeks ago left 143 dead and 180 injured.

ISKP primarily focuses its operations on Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, and Pakistan, with a history of bloody attacks across these countries. Although the region views Afghanistan as the group’s main base, a recent United Nations Security Council report suggests a shift in focus, with operations concentrated outside Afghanistan in the last year.