Israel strikes Iran's Basij enforcers, hoping to loosen their grip
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Israel has intensified strikes against Iran’s Basij paramilitary force, targeting both top commanders and low-ranking members manning checkpoints in Tehran as part of a broader campaign to weaken the Islamic Republic’s domestic control.
- Despite these attacks, Basij and Revolutionary Guard forces maintain a strong presence in Tehran, continuing to enforce loyalty to the regime and suppress dissent, with no significant public uprising occurring in response to Israeli and U.S. calls.
- The Basij operates as a decentralized ideological force with volunteers engaged in political activities and enforcement of social restrictions, playing a key role in the crackdown on protests and assisting security agencies by manning checkpoints.
- Iran continues a harsh crackdown on dissent, including arrests, executions related to January protests, and restrictions on internet access
