Islamic State militants became more active after the death of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May and planned to carry out terrorist attacks at the mourning events for the late president, as well as during two rounds of early elections for a new president, Iranian Ministry of Intelligence reports.

“ISIS terrorists...immediately after the sad incident...(the helicopter crash - ed.) in May redoubled their efforts to infiltrate the country, carry out terrorist attacks at funerals and memorial ceremonies of the late president... and then to carry out sabotage during two rounds of elections throughout the country,” reads the text of the ministry’s statement, as quoted by RIA Novosti.

 

According to the ministry, between May 21 and July 5, their anti-terrorism unit identified numerous groups, engaged in direct confrontations with them in 79 cases, and detained dozens of terrorist, persons aiding them, and suppliers of weapons and ammunition. The anti-terrorism unit also discovered, neutralized and confiscated 560 pieces of weapons, about 42 thousand ammunition, nine ready to use bombs and a significant amount of supplies necessary to make IEDs.