Role of the Basij Organization in Ensuring Sustainable Security
TEHRAN (Defapress) - Brigadier General Esmaeil Faraji, Deputy for Operations and Popular Resistance of the Basij Organization, in an interview with the Defapress correspondent, detailed the role, achievements, and programs of the Basij in securing neighborhoods and maintaining national peace during recent imposed wars. At the beginning of the interview, mentioning the "Defense of Districts and Neighborhoods" mission, he stated that the Basij pursues security based on a "sustainable popular security" model by employing its combat organization, including the Beit-ol-Moqaddas and Kowsar battalions, urban Resistance bases, and independent combat squads. Accordingly, following the directive of the Supreme Leader, urban and rural resistance cells were formed in streets and squares. Most Basijis and volunteer citizens were organized into combat battalions after undergoing specialized training, including urban warfare. These forces played a pivotal role in maintaining security by setting up checkpoints alongside the Law Enforcement Command, conducting community-oriented "Razaviyun" operational patrols, safeguarding administrative headquarters and factories, and contributing to specialized domains such as Aerospace, Missiles, Navy, Passive Defense, and the Imam Hossein (AS) specialized battalions. Additionally, female members in the Kowsar battalions and retired veterans in reserve combat structures provided essential support and defense services.
Elaborating on the deterrent impact of this popular presence, the Brigadier General Faraji explained that adversaries, particularly the United States and the Zionist regime, miscalculated that air strikes and inciting hostile internal elements could disrupt domestic security and pave the way for a ground offensive. However, encountering the decisive presence of Basijis and revolutionary citizens across all streets and neighborhoods made the enemy realize they were confronting a nation of 90 million people. This field readiness disrupted the enemy's calculations, depriving them of the audacity to launch a ground operation and restricting their hostile actions strictly to air strikes during the 12-day and 40-day conflicts. This presence not only brought sustainable security to the nation, but also inspired hope among allies while casting deep despair over enemies.
He categorized the achievements of this presence into tangible confiscations and the elevation of popular security. On the operational side, significant quantities of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and FPVs were identified and seized by Basij forces. Socially and defensively, a massive influx of citizens expressed readiness and registered through portals such as the "Jan-Fada" system, effectively multiplying the capacity of the Basij combat organization. He noted that comprehensive plans are currently underway to organize and train these newly registered volunteers for upcoming missions.
Addressing the enemy's blind attacks on certain checkpoints, including the one on Martyr Babaei Expressway, Brigadier General Faraji pointed to the hostile nature of the adversary, citing examples such as the U.S. military attack on Minab school, and emphasized that the objective behind these strikes was to undermine popular resilience, spread fear, and demoralize forces. Nevertheless, far from weakening their resolve, these attacks prompted immediate implementation of new safety and security protocols to minimize casualties, ensuring that forces remain stationed in the field with full awareness of their duty.
In conclusion, the Deputy for Operations and Popular Resistance of the Basij Organization refuted claims by hostile media regarding the deployment of minors at checkpoints, clarifying that the vast majority of personnel deployed in defense and security roles are young adults who have completed full military training, firearm usage regulations, and law enforcement protocols. Reaffirming that Iran's defense doctrine relies on "endless, people-based defense," he announced extensive plans to train, prepare, and deploy all volunteers across various defense structures to establish and consolidate lasting security nationwide.
