We Are Ready to Respond Decisively to Any Evil Act

TEHRAN (Defapress) - On the sidelines of a meeting of a group of commanders, officers, and staff of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, which was held on the occasion of the Army Air Force Day (February 8), Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, congratulated the 8th of February and recalled the Air Force's historic decision to join the Islamic Revolution, stating: The Army Air Force made a divine decision at that particular time and in ambiguous circumstances, and it has remained true to that promise to this day.

Referring to the performance of the Army Air Force in the Sacred Defense, Major General Hatami continued: By carrying out Operation "Kaman 99", the Air Force carried out one of the largest operations in the history of the Sacred Defense, defeated the enemy's blitzkrieg strategy, and made the arrogant Saddam taste the bitter taste of his first defeat.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Army added: The growing trend and progress of the Army Air Force continued, and in the 12-day imposed war, this force carried out all missions with zeal and courage until, with the powerful resistance of the armed forces, the enemy was forced to surrender and request a ceasefire.

Emphasizing the benefit of the precious experiences of the 12-day Sacred Defense, he stated: The Army Air Force used those experiences and did not miss a moment; therefore, today it has acquired good preparation that is commensurate with today's threats and conditions.

Major General Hatami, warning the enemies, emphasized: We hope that the enemy will not make a new mistake, and if it does, the Army Air Force will certainly play a major role in responding to the enemy.

In response to a question from Defapress correspondent about the presence of American vessels in the region, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army said: This is not a new issue; after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, we witnessed the presence of various American enemy ships and units many times; today is one of those days.

He continued: "Our duty is to maintain our readiness, monitor all enemy movements, and be ready to respond decisively, which we are."

Major General Hatami concluded by emphasizing: "Today, the great nation of Iran and the armed forces know that to preserve the country's coveted independence and territorial integrity, they must stand until the last moment and the last drop of blood and win, and God willing, this will happen."