Basij
The Basij (lit. "The Mobilization") is one of the five forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Individual members are called basiji.
Established in 1979 by order of Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the Iranian Revolution, the organization originally consisted of civilian volunteers who were urged by Khomeini to fight in the Iran–Iraq War.
In 17 February 1981 it was officially incorporated into the Revolutionary Guards.
Today the force consists of young Iranians who volunteer, often in exchange for official benefits. Basij serve as an auxiliary force engaged in activities such as internal security, policing morals, and suppression of dissident gatherings.
Established in 1979 by order of Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the Iranian Revolution, the organization originally consisted of civilian volunteers who were urged by Khomeini to fight in the Iran–Iraq War.
In 17 February 1981 it was officially incorporated into the Revolutionary Guards.
Today the force consists of young Iranians who volunteer, often in exchange for official benefits. Basij serve as an auxiliary force engaged in activities such as internal security, policing morals, and suppression of dissident gatherings.
Basij adapted from Wikipedia and licensed by The Cultural Me under CC BY SA 3.0