HQ ‘is attempt to keep out British forces’

Press Association: The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have established a headquarters in an attempt to command and control terrorist activities in southern Iraq – including operations against British forces, it has been claimed.
Press Association

By Chris Moncrieff

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have established a headquarters in an attempt to command and control terrorist activities in southern Iraq – including operations against British forces, it has been claimed.

The allegation was made by Hossein Abedini, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran at a London press conference.

He said the objective was to force British and Italian forces to stay out of the cities.

“The goal has been to conduct terrorist operations such as ambushes and explosions of roadside devices near coalition columns, and to inflict casualties on these forces to force them out of urban areas and deprive them of freedom of movement in these areas.

“The ultimate goal has been to gain full military and security control of these cities by forces loyal to the mullahs’ regime. The presence of coalition forces is seen as an impediment and nuisance to terrorist control of urban areas.”

Mr Abedini went on: “No other country has more to lose from the establishment of real democracy in Iraq.

“For this reason, as long as the mullahs’ regime is in power in Iran, it will try every means at its disposal to hinder the establishment of peace, stability and democracy in Iraq.”