Qatar announced that it had uncovered two sleeper cells linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and arrested ten suspects.
The announcement was made by the Qatar government amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Authorities said the two sleeper cells were working for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
According to the Qatar News Agency, the arrests were confirmed on Tuesday. The agency reported that seven of the detained suspects had been assigned espionage roles, while three were tasked with sabotage operations.
Authorities said the suspects had been instructed to collect information on sensitive and military locations in Qatar. During questioning, the accused allegedly admitted to links with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and said they had received instructions to conduct espionage missions and sabotage activities.
Officials said sleeper cells typically remain inactive for extended periods and become active when instructed. Such networks are generally used to collect sensitive information or cause strategic damage. Qatari authorities stated that the operation was significant for the country’s internal security.
Security officials in Qatar said several pieces of evidence were recovered from the suspects. These included locations and coordinates of sensitive sites and installations. Communication devices and technical equipment were also seized.
According to officials, the devices were used to transfer information and maintain contact. Investigative agencies are now attempting to determine the scale of the network and whether additional individuals were involved.
The development comes as military tensions have increased across the Gulf region following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel. Tehran has carried out retaliatory actions after the military developments that began on Saturday.
The Qatari Ministry of Defence stated that three cruise missiles, 101 ballistic missiles and 39 drones had been launched toward its airspace in recent days. Qatar said all of them were intercepted and destroyed.
Qatar also said that Iran has stated its attacks are aimed at United States assets in the region. However, Qatari authorities said civilian infrastructure was also affected, with reports of damage at several locations including airports and hotels.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it was surprised that Iran had not provided prior notification about the attacks. Officials said this has increased tensions in regional relations.
Following the arrests of the sleeper cells, security measures in Qatar have been tightened. Surveillance has been increased in sensitive areas. Authorities stated that no compromise would be allowed regarding the country’s security.
