In two surprise raids, the intelligence forces and the IRGC Ground Force in Iran’s northwestern province of West Azerbaijan identified and disbanded two teams of armed anti-revolutionary elements who had been dispatched into Iran by foreigners.

In the twin operations, two hostile elements were killed, a number of others arrested, and rifles, grenades and ammunition confiscated, a statement by the Intelligence Ministry said.

The terrorist teams had been hired and deployed to Iran by certain countries for acts of terrorism and sabotage, it added.

The attacks came one day after the IRGC forces destroyed a terrorist team in the western province of Kermanshah, killing three intruders and seizing weapons and ammunition.

The IRGC is tasked with protecting the country’s northwestern and southeastern borders.