TEHRAN: Afghan and Pakistani nationals who were planning to join the ranks of Islamic State militants (IS) fighting in Syria and Iraq have been arrested in Iran, a government minister announced Monday.
"People from Afghanistan and Pakistan wanted to cross Iran but we prevented them passing and we have arrested others," Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said, linking them to IS.
The report, carried by the official IRNA news agency, did not specify how many arrests had been made or where the detentions occurred.
"Our forces are particularly vigilant in the border areas given that they face threats from terrorist groups," the minister added.
Iran and Iraq, predominantly Shia states, have strengthened their ties since the fall of the latter's Sunni dictator Saddam Hussein in a US-led invasion launched in 2003, and the subsequent occupation.
US troops left Iraq in 2011 but the rapid advance of IS into Iraq from Syria in June forced Washington to send military advisers to Baghdad and cooperation has since expanded to air strikes on militant targets.
Iran has also sent military assistance to Iraq but has denied that it has any troops on the ground.
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@Virkaul: There is a mistrust on US all over the world! You can say the same about the Russians. Yet no one can do anything. The world depends on them one way or the other. All that matters is how muach muscular you are, and how much say you have in the international community! Thats everything...
Great that Iranian govt caught these Pak/Afghan terrorists before they could go and join mayhem in Arab world. This is the only way Iran can regain its position in the modern world. Zero tolerance for terrorists no matter who they are. Thanks our neighbor.
Does the Pakistan govt ever think that there is mistrust with its neighbours on all sides of the border?
I wonder the truth about this article. Iran always arrests Afghans, Pashtoons, and Baloch Sunnis, but rarely any proof for their 'alleged' activities.
Iran itself supports its moles in Pakistan and is itself a cause of sectarian conflict here. The Iranian lobby is not only very active but also very powerful in Pakistan.
@Qahaar in Islamic world there are so many theories that one cant know who are friends who are enemies .
@Ariba: Malaysia, Indonesia, UAE, Turkey are stable too. At least for now.
@Ariba: Iran does not sponsor terrorism. That is the difference.
@Ariba: you are totally wrong. Iran is an ally of the USA .
Iran is the only stable Muslim state left. The biggest difference "no Ties" with America. And very Khuddar.
I hope Iran gives them justice according to their laws and there is no need to send them to Pakistan/Afghanistan.