Formation of Islamic World’s Basij Feasible: Iran’s Top Officer
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri described as doable the idea of establishing the Muslim world’s Basij, like the Iranian Basij (voluntary forces).
In a message released on Wednesday on the 37th anniversary of foundation of Basij in Iran, Major General Baqeri said it is feasible to form the Islamic world’s Basij with the inspiration coming from Iran’s Basij Forces.
Hailing the Iranian Basij as a “miracle of the Islamic Revolution” and a “historic move to meet the country’s vital needs”, the top general enumerated the services that Basij members have rendered to the country over the past decades.
Apart from public services provided by the voluntary forces for development of the country, particularly in underprivileged areas, Basij contributes to Iran’s defense and deterrence power, he underlined.
Basij is a paramilitary voluntary force established in 1979 on late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini's order.
The force consists of often young Iranians, who have volunteered, with a strong sense of fidelity to both the Islamic system and religious beliefs.
Inspired by the Iranian Basij, a similar organization has been established in Iraq, known as the Popular Mobilization Units or Hashid al-Shaabi.
The Iraqi Hashid al-Shaabi has been helping the army in the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group, which invaded Iraq in summer 2014.
