Iran may be activating 'sleeper cells' outside country, report claims
What's the story
The United States has intercepted encrypted communications believed to have originated in Iran, which could be an "operational trigger" for activating sleeper cells outside the country. The alert was sent to law enforcement agencies, ABC News reported. It details a transmission likely of Iranian origin that was broadcast across several nations soon after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
Security alert
Transmission likely intended for clandestine recipients
The intercepted transmission was encrypted and seemed to be intended for "clandestine recipients" who possess the encryption key, ABC News reported. The alert warned that these messages could "be intended to activate or provide instructions to prepositioned sleeper assets operating outside the originating country." Although there is no specific threat tied to a location, law enforcement agencies have been asked to ramp up monitoring of suspicious radio-frequency activity.
Alert
Authorities on alert
"While the exact contents of these transmissions cannot currently be determined, the sudden appearance of a new station with international rebroadcast characteristics warrants heightened situational awareness," the alert said. If the contents of the alert are confirmed, it would confirm law enforcement authorities' fears that sleeper cells deployed across the West could be used for retribution after the United States and Israel bombed Iran.
Security measures
Counterterrorism and intelligence agents on high alert
FBI Director Kash Patel has said that US counterterrorism and intelligence agents are on high alert, working round the clock to address any potential threats. Chris Swecker, a former assistant FBI director, echoed similar sentiments, saying if there were ever going to be violent acts by Hezbollah or Hamas cells in the United States, "it's now."
Ongoing investigations
Two incidents under investigation for possible connection to Iran conflict
In the wake of these developments, two recent incidents are under investigation; one is being probed for a possible connection to the conflict in Iran. Ndiaga Diagne, a 53-year-old from Senegal, opened fire at an Austin bar killing two and injuring 14. He was wearing a shirt with an Iranian flag design under a hoodie that read "Property of Allah." Separately, two Pennsylvania teens allegedly threw an explosive device at an anti-Islam protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.