Citizens Detained in Azerbaijan for Carrying Out IRGC Assignments
As reported, comprehensive counterintelligence operations by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan have thwarted terrorist provocations and intelligence gathering planned in Azerbaijan by a special services body of the Islamic Republic of Iran—the IRGC, according to Trend.
Detained in connection with the case, Azerbaijani citizens Tarkhan Guliyev, Nijat Agayev, Asad Abdullayev, Rashad Rustamov, Khadija Agayeva, Elvin Akhmedov, Narmina Shabanova, and Naib Ismiyev admitted to carrying out tasks for individuals associated with the IRGC. They received explosive devices and executed instructions related to preparing assassinations.
The investigation believes that these activities were organized by an officer of the IRGC's intelligence unit, Colonel Ali Ashgar Bordbar Sherami.
Iranian citizens Yaser Rahim Zanki, Beynam Rustamzade Sahibali, Hafiz Tavassoli, and Sheikhzade Sajjad Mohammad Sati Sofi Evad have been placed on an international wanted list. They are suspected of gathering intelligence and preparing terrorist actions to destabilize the situation in Azerbaijan.
The court has already sentenced four of the case's figures. Tarkhan Guliyev, Nijat Agayev, Asad Abdullayev, and Rashad Rustamov each received 6 years and 6 months of imprisonment.
Narmina Shabanova and Naib Ismiyev are accused of preparing an assassination attempt on the life of a state or public figure. Elvin Akhmedov is charged with illegal handling of weapons and explosives. The court has ordered their detention as a preventive measure.
