IRGC-Linked Network Included Members of Dissolved Scholars Council, Authorities Say
The Ministry of Interior of Bahrain announced that an organisation linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ideology of “Wilayat Al Faqih” consisted of members affiliated with the dissolved Islamic Scholars Council and their associates.
In a statement issued in Manama, the ministry said members of the group had established and led what it described as a terrorist organisation involved in financing terrorism, coordinating with groups in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon classified as terrorist organisations, and receiving military training to support those activities.
Authorities said security operations carried out by the ministry led to the arrest of 41 members of the organisation inside Bahrain, while 11 additional suspects based in Iran were identified as intermediaries between the IRGC and operatives linked to the group in Bahrain.
According to the ministry, the organisation allegedly carried out systematic intimidation targeting members of Bahrain’s Shia community and used covert methods to influence individuals and institutions.
The statement said the group had infiltrated religious, social, charitable and educational institutions, including schools, kindergartens and religious seminaries, with the aim of promoting allegiance to foreign entities and encouraging hostility toward the state.
The ministry further alleged that the organisation attempted to control and politicise sermons and religious gatherings held in mosques, matams and other religious venues while intimidating those responsible for organising such activities.
Authorities also accused the group of collecting funds illegally and receiving financial support from IRGC-linked operatives in Iran to finance activities inside Bahrain.
The Interior Ministry stated that the organisation had been under surveillance for an extended period and said the recent measures were taken to protect Bahrain’s security, stability and civil peace.
The ministry stressed that Bahrain will continue taking firm action against any threats to national security and against attempts to incite division or undermine social stability within the Kingdom.
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