Iran's ghost squad

1,000 gunmen drafted in to end mass protests, Regime's threat of war against US bases and Israel

- CHRIS HUGHES

SHADOWY Iranian spooks have drafted in close to 1,000 extra gunmen from abroad in a bid to smash bloody protests that have spread throughout the country.

It comes as Iran warned it is "ready for war" in a threat to the United States while framing the revolt as a campaign by America and Israel.

At least 900 pro-Iranian Iraqi militia have been recruited to stop the uprising that so far has killed hundreds of opposition protesters.

They were secretly ghosted over the border as protests across the country become more violent and widespread every day.

More than 100 security officers have been killed. And student Rubina Aminian, 23, was killed by being shot in the head at close range in Tehran, according to human rights groups.

One western security source said: "The fact they are bringing in reinforcements means the regime is becoming increasingly worried.

"But it is also a very sinister sign that whilst saying they are listening to the protesters, they are stepping up their bloody clampdown."

The secretive Iraqi units are from a number of different Shia militia and are part of Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces, dedicated to Iran.