Current:Home > NewsCyprus says a joint operation with Mossad has foiled a suspected Iranian plot to kill Israelis -NextGenWealth
Cyprus says a joint operation with Mossad has foiled a suspected Iranian plot to kill Israelis
View
Date:2025-04-15 08:22:40
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — Cyprus has disrupted an alleged Iranian plot to target Israeli businessmen with the arrest of two Iranian asylum-seekers who were in contact with another Iranian associated with the Revolutionary Guard, a Cypriot official said Tuesday.
The official told The Associated Press the two Iranian men have been in police custody since Nov. 3 and procedures were underway to deport them.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he’s not allowed to speak publicly about national security matters, said the suspects’ detention was the culmination of a joint operation with Israel’s Mossad security service.
Cypriot security services had been surveilling the two Iranian men for several weeks and detained them just before what authorities believe would have been the arrival of a squad to carry out killings, the official said. The targeted individuals were primarily Israeli businessmen, the official said.
Cypriot authorities said the suspects’ Iranian handler moved in and out of Cyprus through the ethnically divided island nation’s breakaway Turkish Cypriot north and would cross a U.N.-controlled buffer zone into the internationally recognize south to establish contact with the two. His identity and whereabouts were not revealed but the official said he worked for Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard.
Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. The Cypriot government doesn’t exercise effective control in the northern third, which is only recognized by Turkey.
Last week, an announcement by the Israeli prime minister’s office on behalf of the Mossad said Iran’s use of Cyprus’ breakaway north for “terrorist purposes” and as an “area of activity and transit to attack Israeli and Jewish targets constitutes a disturbing issue.”
Cypriot officials say the collaboration with security and intelligence agencies in countries in the region, Europe and beyond have enabled Cypriot authorities to effectively identify and counter such threats.
At the same time, the Cypriot official said Cyprus wants to maintain friendly relations will all neighboring countries and doesn’t seek to be implicated in any regional conflicts.
In a statement, Turkish Cypriot authorities condemned the Israeli announcement as a “baseless and unfounded allegation” that was made to divert the international community’s attention away from the “inhuman attacks” Israel is perpetrating against Palestinian civilians and Gaza and the West Bank.
The Iranian government did not immediately respond to AP calls for comment.
This is the third such alleged Iranian plot to target Israelis in Cyprus in more than a year. In July, Cyprus authorities broke up an alleged plot involving an Iranian-backed hit squad that planned to kill Israelis and other Jews.
Israel considers Iran its greatest enemy, citing the Iranian government’s calls for Israel’s destruction and support for hostile militant groups. It also accuses Iran of trying to develop a nuclear bomb — a claim that Iran denies.
An Azeri man holding a Russian passport is on trial in Cyprus, a close Israeli ally, on suspicion that he planned to carry out the contract killings of Israelis living in Cyprus.
veryGood! (64)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- When do new 'Love is Blind' episodes come out? Season 7 premiere date, cast, schedule
- Patriots vs. Jets score, highlights: Aaron Rodgers leads New York to blowout win
- 80-year-old man dies trying to drive through flooded North Carolina road
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Sebastian Stan Seemingly Reveals Gossip Girl Costar Leighton Meester Was His First Love
- Watch these puppies enjoy and end-of-summer pool party
- US agency review says Nevada lithium mine can co-exist with endangered flower
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- Dutch government led by hard right asks for formal opt-out from EU migration rules
Ranking
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Where is Diddy being held? New York jail that housed R. Kelly, Ghislaine Maxwell
- What causes motion sickness? Here's why some people are more prone.
- Woman sues Florida sheriff after mistaken arrest lands her in jail on Christmas
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Western nations were desperate for Korean babies. Now many adoptees believe they were stolen
- Woman sues Florida sheriff after mistaken arrest lands her in jail on Christmas
- YouTuber MrBeast, Amazon sued by reality show contestants alleging abuse, harassment
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
Jake Paul says Mike Tyson wasn't the only option for the Netflix fight. He offers details.
Japan celebrates as Ohtani becomes the first major leaguer to reach 50-50 milestone
9 Minnesota prison workers exposed to unknown substances have been hospitalized
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
'SNL' taps Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, John Mulaney for Season 50 lineup
'SNL' taps Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, John Mulaney for Season 50 lineup
Nebraska resurgence just the latest Matt Rhule college football rebuild bearing fruit