Iran's Army Ground Forces Begin Three-Day Drill in Southeast Iran

The Iranian Army's Ground Forces commenced a three-day drill in southeastern regions starting from dawn on December 12. According to the IRNA news agency, the first day of this exercise is dedicated to 'the transfer of rapid reaction forces from other geographical areas to operational zones.' Brigadier General Kamal Paymberi, the spokesperson for the Ground Forces drill, stated that this exercise aims to implement 'mobility, efficiency, and readiness enhancement' of the Army's Ground Forces units. In addition to training and skill development for 'young commanders,' other objectives of the Army's latest drill include 'reducing immediate response time' and 'rapid deployment.' This is not the first time the Iranian Army has conducted an exercise aimed at increasing capabilities for what is termed 'rapid response.' For instance, last October, the Ground, Air, and Air Defense Forces of this military branch conducted a similar drill in western Iran. The Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Headquarters and the Army's Air Force are also participating in the recent exercise. Iranian news agencies, citing the Army, reported that the new drill will last for three days, with the Islamic Republic Army stating that the maneuver covers an area of '220,000 square kilometers.' Brigadier General Kiomars Heydari, the commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces, also noted that this drill is conducted 'based on the doctrine of hybrid warfare and asymmetric battles' and specifically 'to increase the security coefficient of the sensitive southeast region.' According to this senior military official, 'a number of manufactured and optimized equipment, shells, and missiles' will also be tested during the exercise. Brigadier General Heydari did not provide details on the equipment mentioned, but in another part of his remarks to the Army's website, he emphasized that 'the firing of various missiles manufactured by defense industries by helicopters and operations of offensive drones against command and control centers and enemy gathering points are part of the drill's agenda.' Previously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also conducted a ground drill in the southeast region. At that time, Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, stated that border missions in eastern Iran have been assigned to the IRGC. Mr. Pakpour accused Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates of attempting to 'organize' certain armed groups in eastern Iran and 'making significant efforts to destabilize the country.' A month prior, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence reported the arrest of 'elements' at the southeastern and western borders who, according to the ministry, intended to carry out 'terrorist actions' during the elections.