Nationwide Parades Mark Sacred Defense in Iran

The Sacred Defense Week, commemorating Iranians’ sacrifices during the 8 years of Iraqi imposed war on Iran in 1980s, officially started on Sunday with nationwide parades by various units of the Islamic Republic Army, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and Basij (volunteer) forces in Tehran and other cities across the country.
The ceremony took place at the mausoleum of the Founder of the Islamic Republic, the Late Imam Khomeini, in Southern Tehran.

Different units of Iran’s military forces marched in uniform before top Army and IRGC commanders in a show of military might and defensive power.

The ceremony was participated by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and senior military and government officials as well as foreign diplomats, military attaches and reporters.

Typical units of the Islamic Republic Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Basij (volunteer) forces and the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Law Enforcement Police participated in the parade.

Foreign delegates as well as military and civilian officials were also present in the ceremony. Ranking commanders of the Armed Forces also took part in the ceremony.

During the parade Shahab 1, 2 and 3, Sejjil, Qadr, Sahab, Persian Gulf (Khalij-e Fars) and Zelzal missiles were displayed.

The Shahab-3 has a range of up to 1,250 miles (2000 kilometers) and is capable of carrying a 1,000-760 kilogram warhead.

This is while the solid-fuel, two-stage Sejjil missile with two engines, is capable of reaching a very high altitude and therefore has a longer range than that of the Shahab 3 model.

The latest military and defense achievements made by the Iranian experts were put on display at the parade.

September 22 is the start of the Sacred Defense Week in Iran which marks the anniversary of the beginning of Iraq’s imposed war against the country in 1980.