The Quds Base of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force announced that it had dismantled a terrorist group in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan on Friday morning.

The operation, which involved security forces and Basij volunteers, took place in Hamoun County, north of the province, the force said in a statement.

Two terrorists were killed and six others were arrested in the clash, which also claimed the life of a young Basij volunteer named Ardeshir Khatibi, it said. 

According to the statement, the forces seized a large amount of ammunition and weapons from the terrorists.

Sistan and Baluchestan province, which borders Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been the scene of several terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces in recent years.

Terrorist groups carrying out attacks against Iranian interests in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the country have known links to a number of repressive regimes in the Persian Gulf region.

Iran’s security forces have been vigilant and successful in protecting the border areas and thwarting most terrorist plots by foreign-backed anti-revolution elements across the country.

On Wednesday, the IRGC Ground Force also eliminated a terrorist team in Sistan and Baluchestan province, killing two and arresting one. The IRGC servicemen, in cooperation with the Intelligence Ministry forces, ambushed the terrorist team and confiscated ammunition, weapons and explosives from them.