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.



S.Africa Urges More Countries to Stand Up to Israel's 'Genocidal Activities'

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola gestures during a portrait session at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, on August 5, 2025. (AFP)
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola gestures during a portrait session at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, on August 5, 2025. (AFP)
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S.Africa Urges More Countries to Stand Up to Israel's 'Genocidal Activities'

South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola gestures during a portrait session at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, on August 5, 2025. (AFP)
South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola gestures during a portrait session at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) in Pretoria, on August 5, 2025. (AFP)

More countries must recognize a Palestinian state and stand up to Israel to stop its "genocidal activities", South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday.

Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide.

As some of Israel's allies "are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime to stop the genocidal activities", Lamola said.

This will also boost efforts to "allow humanitarian access to the people of Gaza" and "to agree to go into a negotiation table to cease the fire", he said.

"We really welcome this development, and we call for more countries to continue to recognize Palestine."

"We welcome the intention to recognize by France, Canada, and all countries of the world. This will put the pressure so that we can end up with ceasefire," Lamola said.

South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation.

Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Türkiye, Chile and Libya.

The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognize a Palestinian state in September and urged other nations to do so.

The announcements by some of Washington's closest allies have displeased US President Donald Trump.

Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, "we would not be where we are".

"It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population," he said.

"It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure."