Iran Detains 178 Spies — Liepāja Security Service Checks if Anyone Has Photographed Karosta Canal Bridge

While Riga still argues about whether Vanšu Bridge is photogenic enough for Instagram photos, Iran is hosting a real spy-hunting festival. Since the war began, 178 people have been detained, accused of treason and contacts with US and Israeli agents.

Our local security expert Gunārs from Karosta Canal Bridge points out: "See, that's the right approach! We've long warned against letting tourists photograph our bridge. Who knows, maybe they're spies too!" He explains that Karosta Canal strategically divides the city, and the bridge is critical infrastructure, so any photograph could end up in the wrong hands.

Iranian authorities have confiscated weapons, surveillance devices, and specialized communication equipment. By comparison — in Liepāja, it's enough for us that the tram driver reports if he sees anyone suspicious with a phone near the bridge. "We're not naive," says Gunārs. "If someone photographs the bridge from different angles, that's not tourism — that's reconnaissance!"

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps calls on the public to report suspicious activities. In Liepāja, such practice has long been established — residents regularly report foreigners who stare too long at our canal bridge. As experienced Karosta resident Marija says: "Better to check ten times too many than let someone photograph our bridge and sell the pictures to enemies!"