TEHRAN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Azerbaijan on Thursday held their first joint military drill in Poldasht County in the northwestern Iranian province of West Azarbaijan.
The one-day military exercise was aimed at countering terrorism and ensuring the lasting security of the Aras River, which straddles the two countries' common border and is subject to possible attacks by terrorist groups, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.
Commenting on the drill, Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force for Operations Karim Cheshak said the exercise involved one battalion comprising the two countries' special and rapid reaction forces.
Cheshak said the drill consisted of four operational stages, including reconnaissance operations involving drones and helicopters, military patrol operations, ambush operations and planned heavy artillery and air strikes.
He added that the drill's most important message was to ensure regional peace and stability. ■
