Jump to content

Vali-ye Amr special forces unit

Edit links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vali-ye Amr (Persian: ولی‌امر) formally known as Sepah-e Vali-ye Amr (Persian: سپاه ولی‌امر) is a covert special forces unit within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), assigned with the protection of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

History and formation

[edit]

The unit was established in the mid-1980s after several units of the IRGC divisions, including the 6th Special Division and the 66th Airborne Brigade merged and formed the Vali-ye Amr Corps. The unit was specifically entrusted to provide personal protection to Iran's Supreme Leader.[1][2][3] It is thought the unit has as many as 12,000 highly traind soldiers. this unit is one of the IRGC's most secretive and elite formations, that operates the Intelligence Protection Organization of the IRGC. It also oversees other specialized units such as Ansar-al-Mahdi and the Aviation Protection Organization.[4][3]

Structure and operations

[edit]

Vali-ye Amr operates as a highly specialized and secretive unit within the IRGC.[2] Its primary mission is the protection of the Supreme Leader, a role that necessitates a combination of close protection tactics, intelligence gathering, and rapid response capabilities.[4] The unit is also involved in internal security operations and is plays a major role in Iran's domestic defense issues.

The unit's operations are shrouded in secrecy, and details about its activities are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that Vali-ye Amr has been involved in various high-profile security operations, including the protection of the Supreme Leader during periods of heightened security threats. For instance, following threats of assassination by Israel and the United States, Ayatollah Khamenei went into hiding with his family and was guarded by the Vali-ye Amr special forces unit.[5]

Leadership

[edit]

The leadership of Vali-ye Amr derives from the top ranks of the IRGC. In 2022, Brigadier General Hassan Mashruifar became the commander of the unit, replacing Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabbari. This change was part of a bigger reorganization within the IRGC's Intelligence Protection Organization."[4]

Significance

[edit]

Vali-ye Amr holds a critical role in maintaining the security and continuity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its operations are integral to the protection of the Supreme Leader, who is the highest authority in Iran's political and religious hierarchy. The unit's activities are closely linked to the broader security and intelligence operations of the IRGC, reflecting its importance within Iran's defense structure.[4][6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Iran Appoints Seasoned Qods Force Operative as Ambassador to Iraq | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  2. ^ a b "The IRGC Security and Intelligence Agencies". iranwire.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  3. ^ a b Sinaiee, Maryam (2022-06-27). "Iran's Leader Appoints New IRGC Counter-Intelligence Chief". www.iranintl.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  4. ^ a b c d Sinaiee, Maryam (2022-06-25). "Chief Of Iranian Supreme Leader's Protection Unit Replaced". www.iranintl.com. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  5. ^ "Iran's special forces unit guarding Supreme Leader Khamenei". Inshorts - Stay Informed. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  6. ^ Hafezi, Parisa (2025-06-23). "Succession plans for Iran's Khamenei hit top gear". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vali-ye_Amr_special_forces_unit&oldid=1297041648"