A police officer closes the door of a prison cell of Gudaibiya Police Station in Manama March 20, 2012, during an official media visit arranged by Bahrain authorities.

Bahrain foiled an attempt by “terrorist fugitives” wanted in connection with a January prison break to flee by sea to Iran on Thursday.

Security forces foiled the “trafficking” attempt in a dawn operation, a statement published on the interior ministry’s Twitter account said.

“Preliminary joint investigation indicates the fugitive boat was heading to Iran,” the message said, adding further details would be announced later.

The ministry said in January that one policeman was killed when armed men attacked Jau prison in Bahrain, freeing several convicted inmates, describing the incident as a terrorist act.

Thousands of Bahrainis are in jail on charges ranging from participating in armed attacks on security forces.

Bahrain earlier this month executed three men convicted in the death of three policemen in a 2014 bomb attack. Bahrain accuses Iran of fanning unrest and supporting militants involved in armed attacks in the island kingdom. Iran denies any involvement.