IRGC Ground Force joins anti-terrorism exercise in Belarus with SCO

IRGC Ground Force: The IRGC Ground Force serves as the ground operations arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, handling internal security, border defense, and counter-terrorism missions across key regions. It has recently conducted targeted operations against armed groups in southeastern provinces and staged parades during national commemorations. In the reported development, a team from the force is traveling to Belarus to represent Iran's participation in the SCO joint anti-terrorism exercise. Iran's armed forces: Iran's armed forces comprise the regular army and the IRGC, tasked with defending national sovereignty and engaging in regional security partnerships. They have emphasized strategic outreach to SCO members as part of efforts to counter external pressures on bilateral ties. The IRGC Ground Force team is acting on behalf of these forces in the joint exercise hosted in Belarus. Shanghai Cooperation Organization: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a Eurasian multilateral body uniting member states for cooperation on security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability matters. It recently marked its 25th anniversary with a summit in Bishkek that produced declarations on joint security responses and institutional enhancements. The organization is coordinating the current anti-terrorism exercise that includes Iranian forces and other participants in Belarus. Security Cooperation: SCO members are advancing joint anti-terrorism drills and institutional mechanisms to strengthen coordinated responses to regional threats. Strategic Engagement: Iran is actively participating in SCO-led security initiatives with countries including Belarus to bolster ties amid external challenges to its regional relationships.