14-member terror cell busted

Manama, June 2 (BNA: President of the Terror Crime Prosecution Advocate General Ahmed Al-Hammadi announced that the prosecution had received a notice from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science (CID) on busting a terror cell of 14 members. Investigations have shown that two suspects, who are at large in Iran, recruited members inside Bahrain to orchestrate terror acts under the so called "Al-Ashtar Brigade". They kept in touch with them to provide them with explosive substances and the needed funds. They also facilitated their travelling to Iraq where they received military training on making and using explosive materials and weapons in order to attack security officers in Bahrain and undermine the kingdom's security. The terrorist group members carried out many terrorist acts from 2013 to 2015, including explosions in Sanabis, Daih, Budaiya, Shakhoura, Maqsha'a, Deraz, Hamad Town and a mall. Several security officers were injured and two police patrol vehicles, private cars and the mall were damaged in the incidents. Ten suspects have been arrested and questioned by the Public Prosecution in the presence of their lawyers. All, except one, pleaded guilty to the accusations leveled at them. They are facing charges of setting up and joining a terrorist group, attempted murder of policemen, possessing and using explosive substances, carrying out explosions, training in using and making weapons and explosives and damaging properties for terror purposes. The Public Prosecution ordered them to be held in custody for 15 days pending further investigatsion and to be examined by a coroner to ensure they do not present any physical traces. The prosecution also ordered the examination of the confiscated items and the carrying out of a complementary probe. Number of readings : 334 Last updated : 10 : 37 PM - 02/06/2015