Israel says terror cell in Azerbaijan plotting attacks on pipeline, Israeli Embassy and Jewish targets was foiled

A joint statement from the Mossad, the IDF and the Shin Bet said a terror network directed by Iran was thwarted in Azerbaijan several weeks ago. According to the statement, the cell was planning attacks on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline as well as Israeli and Jewish targets in the country, including the Israeli Embassy in Baku, a synagogue and Jewish community leaders.

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Israeli security agencies said a terror network directed by Iran was foiled in Azerbaijan several weeks ago after it allegedly advanced plans to attack strategic, Israeli and Jewish targets in the country.

In a joint statement, the Mossad, the IDF and the Shin Bet said the cell was working to target the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, which runs through Georgia and Turkey, as well as several Jewish and Israeli sites in Azerbaijan.

Israeli and Jewish targets were allegedly marked

According to the statement, the planned targets included the Israeli Embassy in Baku, a synagogue in Baku and leaders of the local Jewish community.

The statement said Azerbaijani authorities arrested members of the operational cell before the plans could be carried out.

Explosive drones and fragmentation charges seized

Israeli officials said the suspects were detained while in possession of explosive drones and fragmentation charges that had allegedly been smuggled into the country.

According to the joint statement, the cell had already begun gathering intelligence on the intended targets through multiple methods, including physical surveillance and photography.

Israel says orders came directly from Iran

The statement said the network was acting under instructions from its handlers in Iran.

Targeted asset: the BTC oil pipeline running through Georgia and Turkey.
Additional targets: the Israeli Embassy, a synagogue in Baku and Jewish community leaders.
Materials seized: explosive drones and fragmentation devices.
Methods used: surveillance, tracking and photography.
Israeli assessment: the operatives were directed directly from Iran.

The announcement underscores Israel’s claim that Iran is continuing to expand operational efforts against Israeli and Jewish targets beyond the Middle East, including in countries across the broader region.