Iran's Intelligence Ministry said its forces have dismantled four operational cells of a terrorist-Takfiri group in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, arresting 15 militants before they could carry out acts of sabotage.

Axar.az reports, citing Tasnim News Agency, that in a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said intelligence personnel in Sistan and Baluchestan identified four organized terrorist cells linked to terrorist-Takfiri groups affiliated with U.S. and Israeli intelligence services as they attempted to enter the country.

The ministry said the cells were dismantled before they could conduct any hostile operations.

According to the statement, intelligence forces carried out a series of operations in the cities of Zahedan, Chabahar, Iranshahr, Khash, Taftan, Nikshahr, and Qasr-e Qand, arresting 15 key members of the infiltrating operational teams.

Several AK-47 assault rifles and corresponding ammunition were also seized during the operations.