Five supporters of Islamic group killed, 32 arrested: police

Two police officers have also died, Usubov said.

Six assault rifles, many pistols and explosives have been seized from the group members, he said.

The minister called on residents of the town of Nardaran to surrender weapons. 

"Those who do will avoid criminal responsibility,” he promised.

The group is seeking to forcibly seize power and impose Sharia law in the country, Usubov said. 

The crime situation has always been difficult in Nardaran, the minister said.  Two police officers were killed there in 2005. So far, there has been 23 cases of "confrontation” between police and residents in the town, he said.

The Muslim Unity group was established in January by Shiite cleric Taleh Bagirzada. He has been imprisoned twice since 2011 for attending protests against a ban on hijab at schools and on drug charges.

Bagirzada was arrested in Nardaran on Nov. 26 along with other members of the group.