Addressing a conference on Tuesday, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said the naval Basij (mobilization forces) for ocean missions has been organized after the successful experience of the IRGC Navy in forming the maritime Basij in the Persian Gulf.
He said the naval Basij in the Persian Gulf includes 55,000 voluntary forces with 33,000 vessels, noting that the force will be established in the Caspian Sea in its second phase.
Lauding the bravery of the mobilization forces known as Basij in Iran, the commander said when the Somalian pirates tried to hijacked an Iranian vessel, the naval Baisj forces arrested nine pirates courageously, and handed them over to the military units.
The naval Basij for ocean missions involves large boats and vessels that can sail the high seas as far as Tanzania, the IRGC Navy chief added.
Describing the naval Basij forces as “shadow navy”, the admiral said a series of coastal villages in southern Iran have been equipped with military vessels operated by those forces.
“The Basij forces use those vessels that are equipped with weapons such as 107mm rockets, and fire them when necessary,” he stated.
SD/TSN
