Iran's IRGC to stage major drills in coming days

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will stage major military drills in the eastern, southeastern and southern parts of the country in the coming days, Press TV reported on Sunday.

The three-day drills, code-named the Great Prophet, will be held in the provinces of Sistan-and-Baluchestan, Kerman, South Khorasan and Hormozgan from April 12 to 14, Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour was quoted as saying.

The maneuvers are partially aimed at maintaining military preparedness, displaying the might of the Iranian armed forces, improving security of the region and implementing certain tactics, Pakpour said.

The IRGC staged missile drills and test-fired several ballistic missiles in March, which incited the criticism of the West as well as fears that the missile program might be developed for carrying nuclear warheads.

Iran has denied the allegations, and insists on the program's defensive and peaceful nature.

Source: XINHUA