Basij

The Basij is a paramilitary volunteer organization in Iran, often described as the country's central repression apparatus. It operates under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and is responsible for internal security, law enforcement, and social control. The Basij has been involved in suppressing dissent and enforcing religious laws. The organization is newsworthy due to the reported assassination of its commander, Gholamreza Soleimani, by Israel. This event, along with the reported killing of other high-ranking Iranian officials like Ali Larijani and Esmail Khatib, has significantly escalated tensions between Iran and Israel. These events are occurring within the context of a wider conflict, with Iran launching retaliatory missile attacks on Israel. The Basij's role in Iran's internal security and its commander's death highlight its importance in the current conflict.