Iran's Basij Forces to hold exercises

Iran's Basij Forces are to begin mass defense exercises named "Beytul Mugaddas" today, IRIB News reported, says Trend.

Deputy Basij Forces commander Colonel Nosratollah Saif said that ten Basij Forces battalions would act as rapid reaction forces, that will practice to respond to possible threats in very short time frames.

Speaking to the journalists, Saif noted that other maneuvers, such as rescue operations, various border and coastal drills will be carried out as well.

He said that the exercises will last for two days.

"More than a dozen Basij battalions would also practice helping out the coastguard of Hormozgan province," Saif said, noting that some of the drills would also be carried out at night.

He added that the Basij Forces were mobilized to practice confronting soft, semi-hard and hard threats from potential enemies, as well as the ability to handle unexpected situations.

Saif underscored that previously such exercises had been held in 21 provinces of Iran.

He said that soon about 2 million people across the country would undergo special training in camps, so later they could join the Basij forces.