Quake Hits Ilam

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake today hit Iran’s western Ilam province, 53km southeast of the city of Dehloran, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The tremor occurred at 13:36 GMT (9:36 AM EST). 

Iran Increases Security at Western Borders

No Chance for Islamic State to ‘Pose Any Threat’ - Iran

Iran said today it has strengthened its border guard units deployed at Ilam and Kermanshah provinces, bordering Iraq, to counter any attack by the Islamic State militants who control parts of Diyala near the Iranian border. 

“The Islamic Republic border guards deployed at the borders use state-of-the art tools and optical equipment to monitor the smallest moves along the border,” said Brig. Gen. Lotfali Pakbaz, the commander of border guards in Ilam province.

“The guards are watching the country’s borders so carefully that there has not remain any chance for the Takfiri terrorist groups, including the Islamic State, to pose any threat for Iran,” Gen. Pakbaz added. (Fars News Agency, 4 October)

Photo credit: Iranian border guards (FNA)

  

Earthquake in Ilam

A strong 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Ilam in western Iran on Monday, causing injuries and damage. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicenter of the quake was at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles); 36 km (22 miles) from the city of Abdanan, near the border with Iraq. The quake occurred at 7:02 am local time (0231 GMT).

Photo credit: Damaged properties in Abdanan, Ilam; 18 August 2014 (Mehr News Agency)