A new security force staunchly loyal to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been created in Iran, STRATFOR sources privy to the information reported Aug. 17. The new militia is known as the Haydaryan — from the word "haydar," which means "lion" in Arabic and is the nickname of the Prophet Mohammed's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, who is seen by the Shia as Mohammed's legitimate successor. The Haydaryan, which was first seen in action during the post-election unrest in the streets of Tehran, is a militia modeled after the Basij paramilitary group, even drawing some of the more zealous members from the Basij. But Haydaryan, unlike the Basij, is specifically centered on the supreme leader. The creation of a new security organization designed to be pro-Khamenei in the current political climate is significant.