Basij volunteer forces stage massive war games in southwestern Iran

US Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (L) talks with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) during a rally with fellow Democrats before voting on H.R. 1, or the People Act, on the East Steps of the US Capitol on March 08, 2019 in Washington, DC. (AFP photo)
Security units from Iran's Basij (volunteer) force are taking part in large-scale military exercises, codenamed 'Towards al-Quds', in Ahvaz, Khuzestan province, on November 21, 2024. (Photo by IRNA)

As many as 60,000 members of the Iranian Basij volunteer force are taking part in large-scale two-day drills, codenamed 'Towards al-Quds', in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

The exercises, which began on Thursday morning at various operational sites across the province, would continue until Friday evening.

During the first stage of the exercises, tactical and passive defense exercises were conducted, along with rescue operations under unprecedented conditions.

The second day of the extensive drills commenced on Friday morning, with Chief Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami, several high-ranking IRGC commanders, and provincial officials in attendance.

Some 250 battalions from the Basij forces were participating in the drills.

The objectives of the drills align with the guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, to maintain and enhance the military capabilities of Iranian forces. The drills aim to improve the Basij forces’ preparedness and combat ability for potential real-world scenarios.

During the 'Towards al-Quds' exercises, Basij battalions conducted military parades, and various IRGC military and defense hardware, including armored vehicles and combat drones, were showcased.

The drills are held annually in different parts of Iran to bolster the Basij forces’ strength and readiness to counter potential threats against the country.


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