Different units of the Iranian Basij (volunteer) forces attended large-scale wargames, codenamed ‘Ela Beit ul-Muqaddas’ (Towards al-Quds), in capital Tehran on Thursday.
More than 10,000 Basij forces have participated in the massive drills, which will stretch over two days.
The preparatory exercises have been launched in 5 different operational spots across the city of Tehran.
General Ahmad Zolqadr, a high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), had announced in a press conference on Monday that the wargame aims to raise the forces’ preparedness for the possible real conditions and improve their mobility through different operations, including anti-heliborne exercises and civil defense tactics.
Different units of Iran’s Basij force have so far held tens of military exercises, codenamed Ela Beit ul-Muqaddas, during the past few years.
The wargames have been held throughout Iran to promote Basij forces’ power and preparedness in confrontation with the potential threats against the country.
The Basij is a paramilitary volunteer force established in 1979 on the Late Founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini’s order.
The force consists of often young Iranians, who have volunteered, with a strong sense of fidelity to both the Islamic system and the religious beliefs.