Bahrain dismantles cell of 10 people plotting terrorist attacks

MANAMA - 24 August 2017: Bahraini security authorities arrested seven members out of a 10-strong terrorist cell plotting terrorist attacks in the country.

As part of counter-terrorism operations meant to ensure the safety and protection of citizens and residents, an investigation has been carried out which resulted in the discovery of a 10-member cell suspected of carrying out terrorist activities, Bahraini news agency reported.

The cell is led by Hussain Ali Ahmed Dawood, 31, a leader of Saraya Al Ashtar, the terror wing of Al Wafa Islamic Movement. Dawood's nationality has been revoked. He is a fugitive in Iran and has been sentenced to life imprisonment in three cases.

He is involved in setting up and controlling various terror cells and planning terrorist crimes which have resulted in the death of a number of policemen.

Among the seven cell members, who were arrested, is Hassan Maki Abas Hassan, 27, worker. He is linked to Hussain Ali Ahmed Dawood and is the key suspect who was in-charge of bomb-making for Saraya Al Ashtar, including bombs seized on 13 March 2017.

The other arrested members are identified as Mahmood Mohammed Ali Mulla Salem Al Bahrani, 33, Arabic teacher, Zainab Maki Abas, 34, Ameen Habeeb Ali Jassim, 32, employee, Hussain Mohammed Hussain Khamees, 39, driver,
Hassan Atiyah Mohammed Saleh, 37, driver and Hussain Ibrahim Mohammed Hassan Dhaif, 27, worker.

The investigation is in progress to arrest the remaining suspects who are:

(1) Sayed Hadi Hassan Majeed Radhi, 26, driver. Convicted and wanted in cases of terrorism, including the use of explosives, endangering lives, attempt to murder, arson, and making and possessing bombs to carry out terrorist acts.

(2) Sadiq Mohammed Abdulrasool Darweesh, 25, driver. Convicted and wanted in cases of terrorism, including arson, making and possessing bombs, endangering public vehicles and vandalizing communication facilities.

The investigation has also led to the seizure of quantities of explosives in the residential areas of Demistan, Karzakan, Malkiya and Dar Kulaib villages that are used as workshops to make bombs and store material for the purpose.

After the Public Prosecutor had been notified and all security and legal steps had been taken, the forensic teams moved to those locations for technical examination and to confiscate the destructive and dangerous material in order to move them to a secure area.