China's second batch of the quick reaction force for U.N. peacekeeping operations to Abyei, a territory contested by Sudan and South Sudan, departed on Tuesday for a 12-month mission there, with its first echelon boarding military aircraft at the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in central China's Henan Province.
The second batch of the rapid reaction force to Abyei was organized by a brigade of the Central Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Since taking the mission earlier this year, the force has conducted comprehensive exercises in a simulated mission area to test the peacekeepers' abilities, including applying rules of engagement, communicating and negotiating, protecting civilians, and providing battlefield medical care.
"Through strict selection and testing, our force has fully developed capabilities for rapid response, swift deployment, and quick situation control. Once in the mission area, we will maintain combat readiness, adhere to real-combat standards, and exhibit top-tier conduct to successfully fulfill all assigned tasks. We will do our utmost to live up to the great trust of our country and the people," said Zhang Haitao, an officer of the force.
Besides, the deployment of the second echelon is scheduled for mid-May.
In May 2024, China deployed its first batch of the quick reaction force to Abyei. That batch comprises various troops specializing in driving, communication, reconnaissance and medical care. Their duties include armed patrols, treating the wounded, and conducting long-distance escorts.
The first batch is expected to return to China shortly after completing their rotation handover.
Chinese peacekeepers depart for year-long mission in Abyei
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
