Iranian ground forces are to kick off week-long military war games along the western and southern borders Saturday evening, a military chief said.
Brigadier-General Mahmoudi said a 20,000-strong military unit was to start war games, named "Eqtedar 80" (Might), in four stages, the official Iranian news agency (IRNA) quoted him as saying.
"The maneuvers are aimed to reinforce the deterring power of the national army, stepping up security along the borders and displaying capabilities of the national army including their rapid reaction force as well as showcasing their inventions," he said.
Kermanshah, Ilam and Khuzestan provinces, which all lie along the western border with next-door Iraq, will field the maneuvers.
Paratroopers are to land in these provinces.
Eqtedar 80 war games are annually held in Iran, said IRNA.
The Iranian air force and navy hold some 40 maneuvers per year in the southern Arabian Gulf waters and the Sea of Oman – Albawaba.com
