Press TV- Iran's Basij volunteer forces have kicked off a major military, security and cultural drill in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan.

The exercises started on Tuesday in 19 counties across the province and will continue until February 24, the commander of the Quds Base of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force in southeastern Iran, General Mohammad Marani, said.

Seventy-six brigades of male forces and 22 brigades of female forces participate in the drills, the commander noted.

The exercises include defense and security maneuvers, search and rescue operations and crisis management, Marani said.



[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="555"] The file photo shows members of Iran’s Basij volunteer forces participating in the Tharallah maneuvers in Tehran on September 3, 2015 (Photo by Fars news agency).[/caption]

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and reached self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.

The Islamic Republic has conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its Armed Forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other countries, especially the regional neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to anyone, saying that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.