TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Around 12,000 members of the Iranian Basij (volunteer) forces will participate in a large-scale war game, codenamed �Ela Beit ul-Muqaddas' (Towards al-Quds), due to be held in Tehran within the next few days, a commander said.

General Ahmad Zolqadr, a high-ranking commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), announced on Monday that the massive drills will be held on April 16 and 17.

According to the commander, some 12,000 rapid reaction forces of Basij will take part in the exercises.

As regards the objectives of the upcoming drills, General Zolqadr said they aim to enhance the forces' preparedness and improve their mobility through different operations, including anti-heliborne exercises.

Different units of Iran's Basij force have held tens of military exercises, codenamed Ela Beit ul-Muqaddas, so far.

The wargames have been held throughout Iran to promote Basij forces' power and preparedness in confrontation with potential threats against the country.

The Basij is a paramilitary volunteer force established in 1979 on the 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 the religious beliefs.

By Tasnim News Agency