Israel’s military carried out a series of drone strikes targeting Basij paramilitary checkpoints across Tehran, according to statements released by Israeli defense officials and reports from Iranian state media. The strikes reportedly hit multiple locations where Basij forces had established security checkpoints throughout the Iranian capital.

Video released by the Israeli military appears to show thermal drone footage capturing the precision strikes as explosions erupt at checkpoint positions. The footage shows vehicles and personnel gathered at security points before being struck, with the resulting blasts visible through infrared imaging.

Iranian media outlets, including state-linked sources, confirmed that several members of the Basij force were killed in the attacks. Reports indicated that among those killed were internal security personnel and senior officers associated with the paramilitary organization.

The Basij is a paramilitary force operating under Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has long played a central role in the country’s internal security structure. The organization is frequently tasked with enforcing checkpoints, monitoring protests, and supporting government crackdowns on dissent inside the country.

According to Israeli military officials, the strikes were part of a broader effort to disrupt Iran’s internal security infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Analysts say targeting the Basij network may be intended to weaken the regime’s ability to maintain control over major urban centers, particularly during periods of internal unrest.

The attacks reportedly occurred on March 12, 2026, during a period of heightened military confrontation between the two countries. Over the past several weeks, the conflict has expanded beyond traditional military targets to include infrastructure, security networks, and strategic facilities across multiple regions.

Iranian authorities had recently increased the presence of Basij units across Tehran, establishing checkpoints in several areas of the city. Officials described these measures as part of security operations designed to monitor movement and maintain order during the escalating regional crisis.

The reported strikes highlight the growing reach of drone warfare in modern conflicts. Unmanned aerial systems equipped with precision targeting capabilities allow military forces to conduct strikes deep inside adversary territory while minimizing the need for large-scale troop deployments.

Drone technology has increasingly been used by both sides in the broader regional conflict, with surveillance and strike drones playing a central role in intelligence gathering and targeted operations.

Military analysts note that strikes against paramilitary forces inside a capital city represent a significant escalation in the confrontation. Targeting internal security units could have broader political implications, particularly if the attacks disrupt the government’s ability to enforce control within major population centers.

Iranian officials have not released full casualty figures, but early reports suggest that multiple Basij personnel were killed or wounded in the attacks. Investigations into the incidents are ongoing as authorities assess the damage and the extent of the strikes across the city.

As the conflict continues to evolve, the reported operations demonstrate the expanding scope of military engagement between Israel and Iran. With both sides increasingly using drones and long-range strike capabilities, analysts warn that the confrontation is entering a new phase where battlefield operations can reach far beyond traditional front lines.