This page serves as a comprehensive resource for frequently asked questions about the Resistance Units, including their composition, activities, objectives, and impact.
1 – Who are members of the Resistance Units?
Members of the Resistance Units are comprised of ordinary Iranians from all walks of life—men and women, mostly young but also among all ages—who are actively engaged in the nationwide effort to topple the regime. These individuals are deeply embedded across all strata of society, including universities, high schools, neighbourhoods, cities, and villages, reflecting a broad and inclusive movement determined to initiate transformative change in Iran.
2 – In which parts of Iran are the Resistance Units active?
This expansive network extends to virtually every part of Iran, in all 31 provinces, from the bustling capital city of Tehran to major metropolises, quiet villages, and even the most remote areas, encompassing a diverse cross-section of the nation’s geography.
3 – What age group are the Resistance Units?
Resistance Units draw members from all age groups, with a predominant presence of the younger generation of Iranians, many of whom were born and raised in the post-revolution era. These youthful activists bring vigour and a fresh perspective to the movement, shaping the future of their country’s resistance efforts.
4 – Are women also members of the Resistance Units?
Yes, women are joining the Resistance Units in increasing numbers and play a leading role within them. This surge in participation is particularly pronounced because women are disproportionately affected by the regime’s most oppressive policies. In addition, they are inspired by the leading role of women in the Iranian Resistance and tens of thousands of women who remained steadfast under the most severe forms of tortures in mullahs’ dungeons while many were executed. As a result, many have the motivation to actively engage in the resistance, positioning themselves at the forefront of the struggle for change in Iran.
5 – How do the Resistance Units operate?
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- Embedded within Society: Unlike guerrilla groups that might operate in remote areas, the Resistance Units are deeply embedded within the very fabric of Iranian society. They consist of ordinary Iranians from all walks of life, including students, professionals, and homemakers, who live and work alongside their fellow citizens.
- Variety of Activities: The Resistance Units engage in a broad spectrum of activities that extend beyond the scope of traditional guerrilla warfare. Their actions include civil disobedience, public demonstrations, the spread of anti-regime propaganda, and other forms of non-violent resistance that are aimed at undermining the regime’s legitimacy and encouraging mass participation.
- Aim for Mass Mobilization: The strategy of the Resistance Units revolves around mobilizing the general populace against the regime, rather than carrying out isolated attacks. Their goal is to create a broad-based movement that can lead to a nationwide uprising, making their approach fundamentally different from that of guerrilla groups that might rely more heavily on armed conflict.
In essence, while they share the goal of regime change, the methods of the Resistance Units are more about galvanizing public support through widespread and varied resistance activities, rather than engaging in exclusively military tactics associated with guerrilla warfare.
6 – Have the Resistance Units suffered any setbacks such as being arrested or killed by the security forces?
Yes, the Resistance Units have indeed faced setbacks, including arrests and casualties, which are inevitable given their operations within a totalitarian state characterized by extensive repression and surveillance. The Iranian regime’s security apparatus is robust and often brutal in its efforts to suppress dissent, leading to situations where members of the Resistance Units are identified and apprehended. In the course of the 2022 uprising, some 3,600 were reported to have been forcibly disappeared or arrested.
The Resistance Units maintain their own distinct chain of command within Iran and operate independently from the MEK’s external branches and leadership. This structure allows them to adapt and respond to the specific circumstances and challenges they face within the country, fostering a localized approach to their resistance activities.
7 – How are the Resistance Units structured?
The Resistance Units are strategically structured to maintain agility and minimize the risk of detection by the regime’s pervasive surveillance. They are organized into modular teams or groups that operate as part of larger entities when necessary. This modular approach allows for flexibility in operations and quick adaptation to changing circumstances.
To remain nimble and reduce vulnerabilities, these teams intentionally refrain from growing too large. Instead, the Resistance Units employ a strategy of horizontal expansion, creating multiple modular teams across different locations rather than increasing the size of each individual team. This approach distributes their presence, reduces the likelihood of detection, and facilitates quicker, more covert movements.
Security is a paramount concern, and by maintaining smaller, discrete units, the risk associated with any single member being compromised is minimized. This is crucial in preventing the entire network or significant portions of it from being exposed. Each unit typically operates with a significant degree of autonomy, enhancing their ability to carry out localized operations effectively without relying heavily on a centralized command structure that could be a single point of failure.
Overall, the Resistance Units’ organizational structure is tailored to ensure that they can operate effectively under constant threat while maximizing their impact against the regime. This strategic structure is key to their ability to continue their activities and maintain effectiveness in their resistance efforts.
8 – How much support do the Resistance Units have inside Iran?
The Resistance Units enjoy substantial support within Iran, a fact underscored by their continued growth in numbers despite the regime’s concerted efforts to neutralize and thwart their activities. Such expansion across the country would not be feasible without widespread backing from the population. This support is further evidenced by the very composition of the Resistance Units, which are made up of indigenous members embedded within society. They emerge from the ranks of the wider population, reflecting a deep and pervasive connection with the everyday citizens they represent. This grassroots foundation is critical to their resilience and effectiveness in challenging the regime’s authority.
9 – Do the Resistance Units conduct armed activities?
Not per se. But part of their operations includes targeting IRGC military garrisons and bases using projectiles and Molotov cocktails. Additionally, they carry out actions such as torching centres and bases belonging to the regime, including those of the paramilitary Basij and security and intelligence apparatuses. These activities form part of their broader strategy to challenge and destabilise the regime’s infrastructure.
10 – Are the Resistance Units part of the PMOI/MEK?
The Resistance Units are politically affiliated with the goals of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), and also benefit from the MEK network and support inside Iran, but operate independently.
11 – Do the Resistance Units have offices outside Iran?
No, the Resistance Units do not have offices outside Iran; they operate exclusively within the country. This website is dedicated exclusively to publicizing and promoting their activities to the international community. This site has no direct or indirect contact with the Resistance Units inside Iran.