Iran rioters use ‘ISIS-like’ tactics – diplomatic source to RT

Beheadings of law enforcement officers and people being burnt alive have been reported amid the violent unrest in Iran

The “terrorist elements” infiltrating the protests in Iran have been using extremely violent tactics reminiscent of the actions of the Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) group, RT has learned from an Iranian diplomatic source.

Iran has been hit by a wave of violent unrest that kicked off in late December. The turmoil started as peaceful protests over economic woes, including soaring inflation and a sharp devaluation of the national currency, yet promptly grew political and violent. The country’s authorities have blamed the violence on foreign meddling, namely by the US and Israel, as well as on armed “terrorist elements” infiltrating the ranks of protesters.

The suspected militants have been using extreme ISIS-like tactics to sow fear and cause as much bloodshed as possible, the diplomatic source told RT on Thursday, citing testimonies of apprehended “terrorists” and intelligence gathered by the country’s law enforcement agencies.  

The militants have been “instructed from abroad” to open fire on protesters and police alike, the source claimed, and it has been established that many of those killed during the unrest were shot in the back.  

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The alleged members of the “terrorist cells” have been observed beheading law enforcement officers, as well as burning people alive, the source said. On multiple instances, the suspected militants finished off the wounded, it added.

The militants have also set on fire public and private property alike, with numerous buildings and cars torched during the unrest. Religious buildings and businesses have been repeatedly targeted by the rioters as well.  

In Tehran alone, at least 26 banks and 25 mosques have been set ablaze. First responders have also been repeatedly attacked, with some 53 fire engines targeted while trying to put out fires across the country. At least eight fire engines have been destroyed, according to the source.  

The militants have been generously reimbursed from abroad for their actions, the source claimed. For instance, attacking a police station was worth some $600, while torching a vehicle used by any state agency was worth around $300, the source stated, adding that Tehran has obtained documents proving such payments.