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Army’s Close Watch on IS Activities

Army’s Close Watch on IS Activities
Army’s Close Watch on IS Activities

A top military commander says the Iranian Army closely monitors movements of the so-called Islamic State in neighboring countries of Iraq and Afghanistan and is ready to take action against the militant group if the need arises.

In an interview with the Al-Alam news network on Sunday, Army Commander Lieutenant General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said in rapid advances last year IS militants managed to reach the Iraqi province of Diyala, bordering Iran, planning to come closer to Iranian soil.

But ground troops were quickly deployed to help protect the security of the border with Iraq, he noted.

"We announced that if they come closer than 40 kilometers to our borders, the army will respond decisively."

The warning, combined with renewed Iraqi efforts against militants, caused IS to stop and retreat from the area, Pourdastan stated.

"But there are still some IS members in Diyala province, despite the crushing defeat they suffered at the hands of Iraqis last month," he said, adding, "We have also observed IS movements in northern Afghanistan."

Pointing to the intensified US efforts to undermine Iran, the general said they are employing terrorists to achieve their goal of destabilizing the countries which do not follow their policies, in addition to tarnishing the image of Islam in the world.

"Although terrorist groups are the most imminent threat to us, but we have not forgotten the threats posed by the US," he said, stressing that Iran will never launch war against other countries, but if "enemies" try to carry out their threats, it will target them and their interests in the region and the world.  

 

Financialtribune.com