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Baku has released footage showing explosives seized during a counter-terrorism operation, after authorities said they had foiled a series of Iranian-linked terror plots targeting key infrastructure and Jewish community sites in Azerbaijan.
Video aired by Azerbaijani media shows investigators displaying explosives allegedly recovered during the operation, including blocks of C-4 that officials say were smuggled into the country as part of a planned attack.
Authorities say the materials were discovered during a counter-intelligence investigation by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS).
The SSS said on Friday it had prevented Iranian intelligence agents from carrying out attacks against four targets in the country.
According to Azerbaijani media reports, the planned targets included the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Israeli Embassy in Baku, a leader of the country’s Mizrahi Jewish community, and an Ashkenazi synagogue.
“The series of planned terrorist and intelligence operations was orchestrated by Iran’s intelligence service SEPAH, assigning local operatives to conduct surveillance, acquire weapons, and secure transportation,” the SSS said in a statement.
Authorities said explosives had been smuggled into Azerbaijan by Iranian nationals working with local accomplices.
Investigators discovered a container near the settlement of Shikhov in Baku’s Sabail district containing more than 7.7 kilogrammes of C-4 explosives.
Additional explosive devices were also found in the Garadagh district, including a remote-controlled bomb capable of causing damage within a 250–300 metre radius, officials said.
Several suspects detained
Following the operation, Azerbaijani authorities detained several suspects. Four individuals were sentenced to six years and six months in prison for their involvement in the plot.
Others remain under arrest, for charges including preparation of attempted assassination and illegal possession of explosives and firearms.
Officials identified SEPAH officer Colonel Ali Asgar Bordbar Sherami as one of the main organisers.
Several Iranian nationals linked to the operation have been placed on an international wanted list.
Baku’s announcement came a day after Iran launched a drone attack on Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan, injuring four civilians and damaging Nakhchivan International Airport and a nearby rural school.
Chairing a Security Council meeting after the incident, President Ilham Aliyev accused Tehran on Thursday of committing an “act of terror” and warned that any further attacks on Azerbaijan “will face our Iron Fist”.
In recent days, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have also announced the dismantling of alleged cells linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which authorities said were preparing attacks on their territories.