Why it matters:
The joint drill conveys a message as a comprehensive, collective effort to combat terrorism and extra regional threats.
The big picture:
The Sahand 2025 counterterrorism exercise, led by the Imam Zaman (AJ) Mechanized Brigade of the IRGC, brings together Iran and nine other countries — Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It is part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s annual rotational framework, where member states take turns hosting joint counterterrorism drills.
What he's saying:
Brigadier General Vali Madani, commander of the “Sahand 2025” counterterrorism exercise: “This exercise was designed with the assumption that terrorists possess significant capabilities. With the intelligence oversight we had, and based on the exercise scenario, we did not allow the terrorists to approach the border.”
“We have strong capabilities, and our special teams performed very well in the exercise. The performance and quality of drones and micro UAVs were excellent, and the demolition and assault operations were well designed according to the scenario.”
Zoom in:
In the next stage of the exercise, the attack helicopters eliminated the remaining terrorist elements according to the scenario.
The drill was conducted jointly with Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, while part of it was carried out independently by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces with success.
Go deeper:
Iran and Russia Conduct Joint Firefighting and Rescue Drill in Caspian Sea
seyed mohammad kazemi - ahmad shirzadian
