Army

`Blow of Zolfaghar' maneuvers start

Tehran, Aug 19, IRNA Iran-Wargames The Army headquarters in southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province is to command wargames that are to be launched starting Saturday.

The first stage of the wargames, code-named `Blow of Zolfaghar', will start in the northeast, northwest, west and southern parts of Iran.

According to the news center of the maneuvers, assault and transport helicopters, parachutists, electronic war units and the army's special forces will participate in the wargames.

"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid reaction units enjoying high combat spirit have been deployed in the operational theater and will demonstrate their readiness," wargames spokesman Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari said on Friday.

The wargames, he added, are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics.

He said the Iranian government has an office in Basra with temporary authority under the Iraqi government to issue visas to Iraqi applicants to visit Iran but that the consulate has not been officially inaugurated.