Mastermind of Terrorist Operation Killing Senior Sunni Cleric Hanged in Iran

IQNA – The mastermind and leader of a terrorist operation that led to the martyrdom of a senior Iranian Sunni cleric in 2009 was executed.

According to the Iranian Judiciary, Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh was hanged after the conclusion of the due legal procedure on charges of “Moharebeh” (waging war against God), membership in terrorist and Takfiri groups, carrying out armed operations, and masterminding the assassination of martyr Mamosta Mohammad Sheikh-ol-Islam.

The cleric was shot dead on September 17, 2009, outside a Mosque in Sanandaj, Kurdistan porvince, immediately after leading the Maghrib and Isha evening prayers.

Khiyareh’s conviction also included a terrorist attack on the Sanandaj Police Headquarters, an armed robbery of a gold shop in Hamedan, and a carjacking that resulted in the murder of the driver.

Further charges included shooting at civilians and leading an armed assault on a police station in Sanandaj, an attack which resulted in the death of a soldier.

According to reports, Khiyareh went into hiding following the collapse of his terrorist network, moving between several cities, including Baneh, Bukan, and Hashtgerd County in Alborz Province.

He was ultimately arrested on December 29, 2013, through a coordinated intelligence and operational effort by security forces.

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