Log Out

Iran's Guard begins new land military exercises

Tue Feb 14, 2012 1:24 PM EST
, ,
Associated Press
Advertise | AdChoices

TEHRAN — Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it has begun a two-day land military exercise to upgrade its capabilities to defend the country against possible external threats.

Commander of the Guard's ground forces Mohammad Pakpour said on comments posted on the force's website sepahnews.com that the maneuvers dubbed Valfajr, or Dawn, began Sunday outside the city of Yazd in central Iran.

The Guard is Iran's most powerful military unit.

The exercises are the latest in a series of maneuvers held amid escalating tensions between Iran and the West over Iran's nuclear program.

The U.S. and Israel have not ruled out military strikes against Iran's program, which they say aims at developing weapons technology. Iran says the program is for peaceful purposes.

© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
  • Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.

Back To Top | Front Page

Published to:

Leave a Comment:
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead.
Newsvine Privacy Statement
As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.