Display of Power by the IRGC Counter-Terrorism Team in Belarus
Representing the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, special operations units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Force delivered an authoritative performance at the “Eurasia Anti-Terror 2026” international exercise, demonstrating exceptional capability, organizational discipline, and combat readiness.
Colonel Taghavi, the operational field commander of the IRGC counter-terrorism contingent, outlined the operational scope of the joint exercise, stating: “This year’s exercise was designed and executed across three pivotal phases. The members of our contingent demonstrated a commanding, synchronized presence anchored in complete tactical discipline throughout all three operational stages.”
Breakdown of the Three Operational Phases and Implementation of Modern Tactics
Detailing the specialized phases of the military drill, the Iranian field commander noted:
- Command Post and Staff Direction: In the initial segment of this international event, operational personnel implemented modern combat tactics through integrated planning and precision coordination with command headquarters.
- Urban Warfare and Close-Quarters Battle (CQB): The second phase was dedicated to simulating close-quarters engagement scenarios against terrorist operatives within complex urban environments.
- Border Containment and Clearance Operations: In the third stage, units executed counter-infiltration scenarios along border sectors, utilizing specialized interdiction tactics to neutralize and suppress hostile militant factions and terrorist cells.
The rigorous application of modern counter-terrorism doctrines, rapid execution of headquarters directives, and high proficiency exhibited by Iranian commandos earned formal praise from the supreme commander of the international exercise, who recognized the performance of the Iranian special contingent as a fundamental pillar of the exercise’s operational success.
Strengthening Defense Diplomacy Within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Framework
This operational deployment was conducted to consolidate defense diplomacy and deepen regional integration in containing violent extremist networks. Having achieved all mission objectives, the Iranian personnel departed for Iran.
Previously, Brigadier General Vali Madani, Deputy of Operations for the IRGC Ground Force, emphasized the strategic objectives of the joint drill: “The primary focus is centered on constructive synergy among Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states to decisively confront extremist factions and curb collective security threats across the region.”
Details of the 14-Nation Participation in Minsk
The “Eurasia Anti-Terror 2026” international exercise convened with broad participation from 14 member states and specialized subsidiary committees of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, alongside more than 100 high-ranking military and security officials. The three-day exercise took place from October 5 to 7, 2026 (14 to 16 Mehr 1405) in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.
It is noteworthy that the Islamic Republic of Iran previously hosted the SCO member states’ joint counter-terrorism drill, titled “Sahand 2025,” in 2025 (1404).