Formation of 'Rapid Reaction Units' in the Iranian Army to Counter 'Takfiri' Groups

According to the commander of the Ground Forces of the Islamic Republic Army, on Thursday, the Iranian army has formed 'Rapid Reaction Units' to counter 'Takfiri' groups. In a press conference in Zahedan, Major General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan announced the formation of these units on Thursday, March 4. He stated that the main goal of these units is 'rapid response to any threats from enemies' and added that the army 'monitors any regional threats up to a radius of 40 kilometers outside the borders.' In Iran, groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS), which recently advanced to within 40 kilometers of the Iranian border (in Iraqi territory), as well as groups like Al-Qaeda and Jabhat al-Nusra, are referred to as 'Takfiri' groups. Officials of the Islamic Republic identify the Islamic State as a potential threat in western Iran, but they also assert that this group lacks the capability to confront the military forces of the Islamic Republic. Currently, the Islamic State controls significant parts of Iraq and Syria, and Iranian military commanders have confirmed their forces' presence to counter this group in these two countries. The army has an 'advisory presence' in Syria. In this context, the commander of the Ground Forces stated that 'the army is also active in countering enemies outside the borders and provides advisory services in Syria.' Besides the army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claims that its forces have an advisory presence in Syria. The commander of the Ground Forces also announced that in the coming days, the 'Karrar' tank will be added to the army's Ground Forces units. According to Pourdastan, 'preparations are underway to purchase T-90 tanks from Russia, which will soon be available to the Ground Forces of the Islamic Republic.' The T-90 tank, the multi-role Su-35 fighter, the Ivan Gren landing ship, short-range Iskander ballistic missiles, and the Kalibr missile are five weapons that some reports indicate Iran's interest in acquiring from Russia. The Russian newspaper Kommersant previously reported, citing officials from that country, that Tehran intends to purchase up to eight billion dollars worth of weapons and equipment from Moscow. Both Iran and Russia are considered major supporters of Bashar al-Assad, and currently, military forces from both countries are present in Syrian territory.