U.S strikes groups linked to IRGC in Syria; here's all you need to know about Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps

The Pentagon reported that on Thursday night, the U.S. military conducted multiple airstrikes in Syria against Iran-aligned groups responsible for the killing of an American contractor, injuring another, and wounding five U.S. troops earlier that day. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that President Joe Biden ordered the retaliatory strikes, which targeted facilities utilized by groups associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

During his testimony to the House Armed Services Committee earlier that day, Army General Erik Kurilla, who oversees U.S. troops in the Middle East as the head of Central Command, stated that Iranian-backed groups have attacked U.S. troops approximately 78 times since the beginning of 2021. Kurilla also cautioned about Iran's drone fleet, stating that "The Iranian regime now holds the largest and most capable unmanned aerial vehicle force in the region."

Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, which is directly accountable to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been suspected of carrying out attacks using bomb-laden drones throughout the broader Middle East.

All about Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is a powerful military and paramilitary organization in Iran, established after the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The IRGC is responsible for protecting Iran's Islamic Republic and its political system, and it operates outside the traditional military chain of command in Iran. The organization plays a significant role in Iran's domestic politics, economy, and foreign policy, making it a crucial force in the region.

The IRGC has a long history of involvement in Iran's domestic affairs. The organization is known for its role in suppressing dissidents and opposition movements, particularly during the 2009 Green Movement protests. The IRGC also controls a vast network of companies and economic entities, which has allowed it to amass significant economic power in Iran. The IRGC's influence extends beyond Iran's borders, as it has been accused of supporting various armed groups and militias in other countries, including Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq.

One of the primary responsibilities of the IRGC is to protect the Islamic Republic from internal and external threats. The organization is responsible for protecting Iran's borders and maintaining internal security. In recent years, the IRGC has played an important role in Iran's efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region. The IRGC has also been involved in Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile development, which has led to international sanctions against the organization.

Involvement in Iran's Foreign Policy

The IRGC's involvement in Iran's foreign policy is also significant. The organization has been accused of supporting various armed groups and militias in other countries, including the Lebanese Hezbollah, Syrian military, and Iraqi Shia militias. The IRGC has also been accused of playing a crucial role in Iran's support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen, providing them with weapons and training.

The IRGC has faced international criticism and sanctions for its involvement in terrorism and human rights abuses. The organization has been accused of supporting terrorist groups and carrying out terrorist attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, which killed 241 American service members. The IRGC has also been accused of human rights abuses, including the suppression of dissidents and the mistreatment of prisoners.

Despite the criticisms and sanctions, the IRGC remains a powerful and influential organization in Iran. The organization has a significant role in shaping Iran's domestic and foreign policies, and it enjoys the support of many Iranians, who see it as a defender of the Islamic Republic. The IRGC has also played a vital role in Iran's efforts to resist external pressure and maintain its independence and sovereignty.

In conclusion, the IRGC is a powerful and influential organization in Iran, with significant roles in domestic politics, economy, and foreign policy. While the organization has faced international criticism and sanctions, it remains a critical force in Iran, with the support of many Iranians. The IRGC's alleged involvement in supporting armed groups and militias in other countries has also contributed to regional instability and conflict. However, the organization has played an important role in Iran's efforts to resist external pressure and maintain its independence and sovereignty.