Iranian authorities have said that an armed group financed by the US and Israel was neutralized during security operations in Khuzestan Province.

The group was identified after local residents provided information to security forces during wartime operations, The Caspian Post reports via Iranian media.

Officials said the leader of the group and five members were detained. Security forces also seized firearms, four ready-to-detonate improvised explosive devices, and materials used to manufacture bombs from their hideouts.

Authorities claim the group had been planning attacks on regional infrastructure and units of the Basij militia in Ahvaz, as well as large-scale terrorist acts in the region. Iranian officials say the planned attacks were successfully prevented.