TEHRAN (Tasnim) � A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) highlighted the role of local forces and ethnic groups in southeast Iran in helping to ensure security of the region.

Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency on Wednesday at the site of IRGC�s massive military drills in Mirjaveh, southeastern province of Sistan and Balouchestan, IRGC Lieutenant Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami described the presence of volunteer forces from Baloch tribes in the drills as a great achievement.

�In our security calculations, we attach great importance to the role of Baloch tribes and volunteer forces in the southeast of the country,� the commander said.

He added that Baloch tribes have played a major role in the ongoing military exercises codenamed Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet) in Mirjaveh.

The IRGC Ground Force and volunteer forces from about 15 Baloch tribes staged the second day of the drills in southeastern Iran on Wednesday.

The war game, which is underway in regions such as Saravan, Mirjaveh and Zahedan, in Sistan and Balouchestan province, will conclude tomorrow.

According to IRGC Ground Force Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, the purpose of the drills is maintaining preparedness for battle, displaying the power of forces and ensuring security in the region with reliance on the local residents.

Lying in a deserted region, the province of Sistan and Balouchestan borders Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Since a couple of years ago, the IRGC has successfully employed a strategy to get advantage of the local forces to ensure regional security in the face of narcotics trafficking or the entry of terrorists and outlaws.

By Tasnim News Agency