Manama, Jun 8 (IANS): Bahrain's interior ministry said on Sunday that it has busted a major terrorist cell with links to outlawed groups in Iran and Iraq.

The ministry said it has arrested a number of suspects connected to a group known as "Saraya Al Ashtar", which is responsible for carrying out a series of terrorist attacks against policemen between 2013 and 2015.

Two fugitives aged 26 and 29, who were the commanders of the sleeper cell, are still at large in Iran, the ministry said, adding that they had recruited 12 Bahrainis for terrorist operations in the country, Xinhua reported.

It said they conspired with the partners outside Bahrain and received explosives and other support.

An investigation revealed that last year some of the members of the group travelled to Iraq and got training in handling weapons and explosives under a terrorist group called "Hezbollah Brigades".

"Additional training included how to conduct abductions, sniper training, dismantling and installation of arms and the use of mortars, endoscopes and detonators," the ministry said.