Special units from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force are participating in an international anti-terrorism exercise currently underway in Minsk, Belarus. The multi-day drill, known as “Eurasia-Anti-Terror 2026,” involves representatives from 14 member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) along with associated committees, focusing on enhancing regional security cooperation and counterterrorism efforts.

Brigadier General Vali Madani, deputy commander for operations of the IRGC Ground Force, emphasized that Iran’s primary objective in joining the exercise is to strengthen security collaboration among SCO members. He highlighted the importance of exchanging operational experience and improving the collective ability to address violent extremist groups and emerging security threats within the region.

The exercise aims to foster greater coordination and develop unified strategies to counter terrorist activities and violent groups that could destabilize regional security. Madani noted that the event gathers over 100 senior military and security officials, providing a platform for sustained dialogue and joint operational planning.

This is not Iran’s first involvement in the SCO anti-terror drills. The IRGC Ground Force previously hosted the exercise in 2025 in the northwestern city of Shabestar, marking Iran as the fourth SCO country to facilitate the event. Through these engagements, Tehran seeks to enhance its role within the SCO framework and contribute to a regional security architecture geared toward combating extremism and terrorism.