Bahrain says IRGC-linked group involved in terror financing and infiltration activities

The Ministry of Interior has said an organisation linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Wilayat Al Faqih ideology consisted of members of the Islamic Scholars Council, which was dissolved pursuant to a court ruling, along with their affiliates.

The ministry said members of the organisation allegedly formed and led a terrorist group, financed terrorism, and coordinated with Iran as well as groups in Iraq and Lebanon classified as terrorist organisations. It added that they also received military training in support of these activities.

Authorities confirmed that security operations led to the arrest of 41 members of the organisation in Bahrain. It also identified 11 individuals based in Iran who allegedly acted as intermediaries between the IRGC and operatives inside the Kingdom.

The ministry said the organisation carried out systematic intimidation against members of Bahrain’s Shia community and engaged in covert activities.

It added that the group allegedly infiltrated religious, social, charitable and educational institutions, including kindergartens, schools and religious seminaries, aiming to promote allegiance to foreign entities, particularly the IRGC, while undermining national loyalty and encouraging hostility towards the state.

Authorities further alleged that members sought to control and politicise sermons delivered by religious scholars and Hussaini reciters in mosques, matams and religious events, while intimidating those overseeing such activities.

The ministry also accused the group of engaging in criminal acts, spreading fear, and collecting funds for unlawful purposes, including receiving financing from IRGC operatives to support activities described as threatening to public security.

The Ministry of Interior said the organisation had been under surveillance and monitoring, and that the actions taken were aimed at safeguarding Bahrain’s security and ensuring social stability.

It stressed that authorities will continue to counter any threats to national security and take firm action against attempts to undermine civil peace or incite division within society.

The UAE has reaffirmed its full solidarity with Bahrain over the developments.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised Bahraini security authorities for uncovering the alleged cell and reiterated support for all measures taken to protect Bahrain’s security and sovereignty.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also stressed the importance of strengthening regional and international cooperation to counter security threats, noting that Bahrain’s stability is closely tied to wider Gulf security.