MANAMA: The authorities in Bahrain has busted a terror cell being operated under the name of “Saraya Al Ashtar” allegedly formed by two fugitives, currently living in Iran, in 2012. There have been over a dozen arrests since the interception of the terror group and all possible investigation leads are closely monitored by the authorities.
The Ministry of Interior released the group’s history as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts, confirming that it has uncovered a terrorist cell posing a serious threat to the Kingdom of Bahrain. The investigation, it said, led to the arrest of a number of individuals suspected of carrying out recent terrorist attacks as members of a group known as “Saraya Al Ashtar.” A number of group leaders as well as those who conducted acts of terror were arrested.
The investigation revealed that the terrorist group was formed in late 2012 by two leaders: Ahmed Yousif Sarhan (known as Abumuntadhir), 26, a fugitive who is currently in Iran and Jassim Ahmed Abdullah, (Known as Thualfaqar), 39, a fugitive who is currently in Iran.
These two individuals were involved in a number of the group’s early terror operations in Bahrain and also recruited a number of individuals to join Saraya Al Ashtar.
Among those who were recruited include Fadhil Mohammed Ali (known as Abuhaider), 25, arrested; and Hussain Jaffar Abdullah, (Known as Sajid), 31, arrested. These individuals were assigned to form a terrorist group targeting policemen. They conspired with the leaders outside Bahrain and received explosives and other support.
These two individuals also recruited additional persons to work under their command. Among the recruits include Abas Hassan Ahmed Saleh, 22, arrested; Ahmed Abdullah Hussan, 22, arrested; Abdullah Ali Abdullah Kadhem, 25, arrested; Abdullah Hassan Abdullah Ibrahim, 24, arrested; Hussain Ali Abdullah Ali, 33, arrested; Abdullah Jaffar Abdullah Fadhel, 28, arrested; Hussain Mohammed Ali Abdulhadi, 28, arrested; Sayed Alawi Mohammed Jaber Al Wadaee, 22, arrested; Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Hussain, 20, arrested and Hassan Ali Mahdi Ahmed, 19, arrested.
The investigation also revealed that at the end of 2014 Ahmed Yousif Sarhan and Jassim Ahmed Abdullah facilitated the travel to Iraq of Fadhel Mohammed Ali Abdulhadi; Hussain Jaffar Abdullah Fadhel and Sayed Alwai Mohammed Jaber Al Wadhaee.
In Iraq, they received military, explosives and weapons training. The group leaders, Hussain Jaffar Abdullah and Fadhel Mohammed Ali, in coordination with the commanders of the group, facilitated the travel to Iraq of Abass Hassan Ahmed Saleh and Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Hussain.
They also received military, explosives and weapons training as members of this terrorist group. The arrestees confirmed their membership in “Saraya Al Ashtar” and told investigators they received training in Iraq by the terrorist group “Hezbollah Brigades.” Training included the use of the Kalashnikov, PKC and RPJ weapons, in addition to the use of C4 and TNT explosives. Additional training included how to conduct abductions, sniper training, dismantling and installation of arms and the use of mortars, endoscopes and detonators.
The General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Forensic Science took the required legal steps in the case and referred it to the Public Prosecution.