Iran says armed cell dismantled near northwestern border

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it dismantled an armed group that had infiltrated the country through the northwestern border and was allegedly planning to carry out sabotage operations.

In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard said four members of what it described as a separatist "terrorist cell" were killed during armed clashes with its forces in the mountainous areas of West Azerbaijan province.

The Guard said the group had intended to conduct acts of sabotage after entering Iranian territory.

It also warned what it called terrorist and separatist groups that any attempts to threaten security in the region would be met with a "firm and decisive" response from Iranian forces.