Iranian security forces use nationwide dragnet to arrest protesters, AP reports

AP reports that Iranian security agents conducted early-morning raids across the country detaining people accused of joining recent protests, and activists say many are being held incommunicado while an internet blackout hampers reporting.

AP reports that Iranian security agents carried out early-morning raids across the country to detain people accused of participating in recent protests. The detentions follow a government crackdown last month on demonstrations that called for changes to the country's theocratic rule. Accounts have come from major cities and rural towns, and those detained are reported to include students, professionals and reformist figures. An internet blackout and restricted communications have made independent tracking and verification difficult. Known details: - AP reports early-morning raids and arrests, including members of the Nakhii family who were detained after protests. - Sources say a wide range of occupations have been affected, from university students to doctors, lawyers and public figures linked to reformist politics. - Activists monitoring arrests say many detainees have been held incommunicado and families have struggled to locate loved ones; reporting has been limited by an internet blackout. - The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported more than 50,000 arrests, a figure AP has been unable to verify. Summary: The reported operations indicate a broad and sustained response that has affected many sectors of society and left relatives seeking information. Undetermined at this time.