Iran holds unannounced military drill near Turkey border: reports

The Iranian drill included rapid reaction units, mobile and offense brigades and helicopters

epa06980738 A handout photo made available by the Iranian Supreme Leader office shows, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) speaking during a meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (2-L) and his cabinet in Tehran, Iran, 29 August 2018. Media reported as Rouhani is under pressure over economic crises and demands for his resignation are louder, Khamenei has supported him as saying removing the President is just would be good for enemies.  EPA/IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER OFFICE HANDOUT  HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
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Iran's army began an unannounced military drill in the northwest of the country bordering Turkey, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported,

The drill came as Turkish troops prepare to enter the territory of Iran's ally Syria.

"Turkey has no ambition in north-eastern Syria except to neutralise a long-standing threat against Turkish citizens and to liberate the local population from the yoke of armed thugs," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, said Wednesday.

ISNA said the Iranian drill included rapid reaction units, mobile and offense brigades, and helicopters from the Army Ground Force's Air Unit.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani called on Turkey to show restraint and avoid military action in Northern Syria, and said US forces should leave the region.

"Turkey is rightfully worried about its southern borders. We believe that a correct path should be adopted to remove those concerns... American troops must leave the region... Kurds in Syria... should support the Syrian army," IRNA quoted Mr Rouhani as saying.