IRGC Says it Neutralized Terrorist Cell, 4 of its Members Killed

IRGC members during an attack (Asharq Al-Awsat)
IRGC members during an attack (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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IRGC Says it Neutralized Terrorist Cell, 4 of its Members Killed

IRGC members during an attack (Asharq Al-Awsat)
IRGC members during an attack (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said its forces had neutralized a "terrorist cell" in Salmas near the Turkish border.

The IRGC issued a statement announcing that its ground forces tasked with protecting the border triangle with Turkey and the Kurdistan region of Iraq "neutralized a terrorist cell after intelligence monitoring."

The statement explained that the cell intended to enter the country and carry out sabotage acts, but the officers of Hamza Sayyid al-Shuhada base in the border area, ambushed it ahead of the attack.

"The cell was destroyed," the statement asserted, noting that the IRGC officers confiscated equipment and ammunition.

The statement asserted "no losses" for the Revolutionary Guards without referring to the timing of the clashes.

On Friday, the Hengaw website for human rights violations in Iran reported that at least four Revolutionary Guards members were killed in armed confrontations with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The Kurdish website pointed out that the clash occurred Thursday evening in the mountains of Salmas.

The report said at least four IRGC members were killed in the clashes and taken to hospital in Salmas.

Armed factions loyal to the Iranian-Kurdish opposition are active in the area between Iran, Turkey, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Usually, the region witnesses bloody confrontations between the IRGC and parties that say they are fighting for Kurdish national rights.

Last May, an IRGC artillery fire hit an area north of Erbil, targeting what Iranian state television described as "terrorist" bases.

In March, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards launched about ten ballistic missiles at the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region in an unprecedented attack aimed at the US and its allies.



Switzerland to Enact Hamas Ban from May 15

FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
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20

Switzerland to Enact Hamas Ban from May 15

FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
FILED - 08 February 2025, Palestinian Territories, Deir al-Balah: Fighters of the Ezz al-Din Al-Qassam brigades, the military wing of Hamas form a corridor as Israeli hostages get delivered to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

A new Swiss law banning Hamas and related organizations will come into force on May 15, the government said on Wednesday, aiming to prevent the Palestinian militant group from using Switzerland as a safe haven by making entry bans or expulsions easier to arrange.
The law, which was approved by parliament last December and came in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, gives Swiss authorities "the necessary tools to take action against Hamas activities or support for the organization in Switzerland," the government said, according to Reuters.
The Gaza war started after Hamas' attack which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive on the enclave has killed more than 52,000, according to local Palestinian health officials.
The Swiss law enables preventive police measures such as entry bans or expulsions, and also makes it more difficult for Hamas to use Switzerland as a financial hub for its activities.