Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 24 /Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/
Iran's Basij Forces are to begin massive defensive excercises, named "Beytul Mugaddas" today, IRIB News reported.
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 a 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 excercises will last for two days.
"More than a dozen of Basij battalions would also practice helping out coastal guard of the Hormozgan province," Saif said, noting that the some 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 ability to handle unexpected situations.
Saif underscored that previously such exercises were 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.