Manama: Bahrain has smashed a 14-member cell that carried out acts of terrorism between 2013 and 2015, the president of the Terror Crime Prosecution has said.
Advocate General Ahmad Al Hammadi said the prosecution had received a notice from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science (CID) on the smashing of the cell.
“Investigations revealed two suspects, still at large in Iran, recruited members inside Bahrain to orchestrate terror acts under the so called ‘Al Ashtar Brigade’ and kept in touch with them to provide them with explosive substances and the needed funds,” Al Hammadi said.
“They also facilitated their travelling to Iraq where they received military training on making and using explosive materials and weapons in order to attack security officers in Bahrain and undermine the kingdom’s security.”
The terrorist group carried out terrorist acts over three years, including explosions in the areas of Sanabis, Daih, Budaiya, Shakhoura, Maqsha’a, Deraz, Hamad Town and a mall, he added.
“Several security officers were injured and two police patrol vehicles, private cars and the mall were damaged in the incidents,” he said, quoted by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).
“Ten suspects have been arrested and questioned by the Public Prosecution in the presence of their lawyers. All, except one, pleaded guilty to the accusations levelled at them. They are facing charges of setting up and joining a terrorist group, attempted murder of policemen, possessing and using explosive substances, carrying out explosions, training in using and making weapons and explosives and damaging properties for terror purposes.”
The Public Prosecution ordered the suspects be held in custody for 15 days pending further investigations.
