Iranian authorities have executed two members of the Islamic State group by hanging after convicting them of armed rebellion. The executions followed a Supreme Court ruling that upheld their death sentences.
State television identified the two executed men as Mohieddin Abdollahi and Hossein Palani. According to state media, both individuals belonged to an active Islamic State cell that formed after the group lost its territories in neighbouring Iraq and Syria.
Iranian intelligence officials revealed that the cell had been preparing to launch a series of coordinated attacks inside the country. However, security forces located their hideout in the Bamo Mountain region before they could execute their plans. The mountainous area lies directly along Iran's western border with Iraq.
The initial raid on the mountain hideout resulted in a deadly firefight. Several Islamic State militants were killed during the battle, while others were taken into custody. Three members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard also died in the operation. Following the shootout, security teams recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, and military gear.
While officials confirmed the hangings took place on Tuesday, the judiciary has not released details regarding where the executions were carried out.
