Bahrain has arrested 15 individuals accused of working on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), just hours after Tehran launched attacks targeting the kingdom and neighbouring Kuwait.
In a statement, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend all individuals allegedly linked to the suspected Iranian network operating in the country.
The arrests come amid an ongoing security crackdown launched by Bahraini authorities after Iran began carrying out attacks against the kingdom in late February. Since then, dozens of people have been detained on accusations of collaborating with Tehran.
Last month, a Bahraini court sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of what authorities described as “hostile and terrorist acts” carried out in coordination with the IRGC.
Earlier in April, Bahraini authorities also revoked the citizenship of 69 people accused of supporting Iranian attacks against the country.
Bahrain, which hosts a sizeable Shia population, has long faced allegations from members of the community that they are subjected to political and economic marginalisation. The government has consistently rejected such claims and maintains that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
At the same time, Bahraini authorities have repeatedly accused Iran of encouraging unrest and interfering in the kingdom’s internal affairs, allegations that have contributed to longstanding tensions between the two countries.