What is a sleeper cell? FBI, Homeland Security heightens vigilance against Iran-Hezbollah terror plots in US

Iran's arsenal lacks the firepower to reach the US mainland. If Tehran wants to go beyond targeting US military bases in the Middle East, it may resort to using its sleeper cells to carry out attacks across the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is unwilling to take any chances in the wake of US airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. According to US media reports, the agency is on high alert for Iranian sleeper cells and their handlers, both abroad and within the country.

 

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains the "primary source of terrorism" and continues to plot against the US. Former President Donald Trump's decision to join Israel in the conflict may further accelerate these activities, media reports said.

 

What are sleeper cells?

 

Sleeper cells are enemy operatives or terrorists who live among civilians on enemy soil. They lead inconspicuous lives until activated by their handlers, at which point they may shock the world with an operation — ranging from espionage and data theft to suicide bombings or other forms of violence. The challenge for nations is to identify sleeper cells that remain inactive among their citizens, often working regular jobs and maintaining an unsuspecting lifestyle. This becomes tougher with globalisation as foreign workforce and immigration have become very common across the world. This becomes even tougher with globalization, as foreign workforces and immigration have become increasingly common across the world.

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US media reports claim that the country's agencies have reasons to believe Iranian sleeper cells are close to being activated. Individuals linked to Hezbollah are reportedly residing within the country, awaiting orders. The FBI believes this and is currently in the process of tracking them down. While Israel has managed to cripple the Axis of Resistance, trained operatives already well-settled in the US are still capable of inflicting harm. 

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According to the US Department of Homeland Security, a cornered Iran may decide to go all guns blazing against the US, potentially signalling sleeper cells to attack Washington by any means necessary. The primary purpose of harbouring terrorists is to carry out dirty work that cannot be achieved through conventional military action. However, there have been no reports indicating the specific type of sleeper cell strikes that US security agencies are expecting.

Conflict in Middle East

Meanwhile, Iran fired a salvo of missiles and drones on Monday at Israel while also warning the United States that its military has been given a free hand to attack American targets in the wake of the Trump administration's massive strikes. Israel said its defence systems were operating to intercept the threat, apparently targeting north and central areas, and told people to head to shelters. Iran described the attack a new wave of its Operation True Promise 3, saying it was targeting the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television. There were no immediate reports of damage.

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