‘Iran paramilitary forces holding maneuver’

TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian state television is reporting that the country’s paramilitary forces are holding a two-day maneuver.

The report Thursday said the forces of the Basij, affiliated with the elite Revolutionary Guards, began their exercise in five central and northern provinces.

The exercise is part of annual maneuvers for the force, which aims at increasing readiness and training of the forces. The report did not elaborate.

The nationwide paramilitary network also serves as a powerful propaganda tool in local politics.

Over the past years, Iranian forces routinely held military exercises on its mainland and in areas in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the body of water that one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through. More military maneuvers are expected in coming months.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.