Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force units are conducting a military drill, codenamed Shohaday-e Vahdat, in eastern Iran to boost and demonstrate operational readiness to defend the nation.
Shohaday-e Vehdar wargames spokesman general Hamid Sarkheili said the main phase of the drills began in Khaf general zone, during which IRGC armoured units and commandos practised heavy fire against hypothetical enemies in five phases. The IRGC air defence units also practised targeting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of the hypothetical enemy during the second phase of the military drill, while the cavalry units carried out new asymmetric warfare tactics.
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The exercise will test IRGC Ground Forces’ new equipment and modern warfare tactics as well as passive defence under extreme climatic conditions particularly in desert regions. Iran also unveiled two classes of superlight personnel carriers and armoured ambulances during the drill.
IRGC Ground Force commander brigadier general Mohammad Pakpour said the war games are designed to enhance the capabilities of IRGC ground troops and combat units as well as increase security along its eastern borders. The drill was also part of Iran’s preparations to close vital waterways from east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Aden if sanctions are imposed on its oil sales.
