Azerbaijan Claims to Have Arrested Sixteen Iranian-Linked Spies

The police of Azerbaijan announced that in a special operation, they have arrested 16 members of religious-political centers controlled by Iran. The Azerbaijani news agency APA reported: "The aim of these individuals was to exploit addicts and superstitious people for their illegal purposes." According to APA, these individuals were involved in promoting religious extremism and other destructive activities in Azerbaijan and were financed through drug sales. Recently, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Baku, the Azerbaijani government arrested 39 people as part of what it calls a crackdown on an 'Iranian espionage network' in the country. It was reported that these individuals also carried out 'sabotage and disruptive' actions under the guise of religious affairs. Peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are being held in Washington. Armenia reported that Azerbaijan has besieged villages in Karabakh. Azerbaijan's establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin road has provoked anger in Yerevan. Gunfire between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces; the U.S. has urged both sides to resume peace talks.