Iranian authorities have arrested 27 members of a group linked to the Islamic State militants on suspicion of plotting attacks on religious centers in the country. Iran's state-run media yesterday quoted the country's Intelligence Ministry as saying that the suspects were captured on Friday night. <br/><br/>Five of those arrested were reportedly due to carry out the attacks. Other members were supposed to provide them with support, such as transporting weapons and ammunition by concealing them in home appliances.<br/><br/>In June, armed groups assaulted 2 important facilities including the parliament building in Tehran, leaving 18 people dead. The Islamic State militant group claimed involvement in the attacks. The ministry has yet to reveal whether the 27 arrested were involved in June's attacks.<br/><br/>There is fear that the Islamic State group, which is losing ground in Iraq and Syria, may ramp up their activities in neighboring countries.

Iranian authorities have arrested 27 members of a group linked to the Islamic State militants on suspicion of plotting attacks on religious centers in the country. Iran's state-run media yesterday quoted the country's Intelligence Ministry as saying that the suspects were captured on Friday night. <br/><br/>Five of those arrested were reportedly due to carry out the attacks. Other members were supposed to provide them with support, such as transporting weapons and ammunition by concealing them in home appliances.<br/>In June, armed groups assaulted 2 important facilities including the parliament building in Tehran, leaving 18 people dead. The Islamic State militant group claimed involvement in the attacks. The ministry has yet to reveal whether the 27 arrested were involved in June's attacks.<br/>There is fear that the Islamic State group, which is losing ground in Iraq and Syria, may ramp up their activities in neighboring countries.