Iran launches large-scale military exercise in southeastern

Iran's army ground forces began on Sunday large-scale military exercises in the country's southeastern region, local media reported.

The drill, code-named Muhammad Rasulullah-4 (Muhammad, the Messenger of God), covers an area of more than 220,000 square km and will last for three days, Tasnim news agency reported.

Commander of army ground forces Brig. Gen. Kioumars Heidari said that units from various forces of the army are taking part in the exercises.

The drill's spokesman, Kamal Peyambari, said Sunday that the first day of the exercises focused on the transfer of rapid reaction units from across the country to the operation zones, Press TV reported.

The participating units will display their efficacy and work to enhance their readiness in responding to operational requirements and threats, Peyambari was quoted as saying.

Other goals of the drill are testing new defense systems, reducing the average response time to potential threats as well as training younger commanders in modern battles, the spokesman said.

source: Xinhua