TEHRAN The Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei here Thursday appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Husseinzadeh Hejazi as the commander of Basij Resistance Forces of the Islamic Revolution's Guards Corps (IRGC). The Leader in his decree said that the appointment was made upon the proposal of the IRGC Commander Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi and by taking into account the valuable records and experiences of Hejazi during his service at the IRGC and Basij (mobilization) Force. The Supreme Leader stressed that Brigadier General Hejazi is expected to make use of the existing potential to form a 20-million strong army, organize active and skilled forces from among the youth and promulgate Basij culture based on the faith and sacrifices of Basij members.

Ayatollah Khamenei also lauded the services of the previous Commander of the IRGC's Basij Force, Brigadier General Ali Reza Afshar during his term in office. (IRNA)