A Site Selection of Border Military Posts and the Identification of Penetration-Prone Areas on the Borderlines through Utilizing Fuzzy Inference Systems and GIS (Case Study: Nehbandan Borderlines)

The security of international borderlines among countries is identified as a crucial factor in providing national security. Among borderlands of Iran, in different historical junctures, the south of Khorasan province is always very prone to incidents and insecurity due to its geopolitical position. Moreover, this area is now threatened with numerous threats to national security including drug trafficking from Afghanistan to Iran, terrorist activities, the presence of extra-regional countries and forces in proximity of Iranian borderlines, the threat of ethnic and religious demands and illegal residence of people from some neighboring countries particularly Afghanistan. This study was an attempt to identify and also select appropriate sites of border military posts in Nehbandan- Afghanistan borderlines through relying on the capabilities of geomorphological units. This study was also aimed at enhancing the operational and defensive capabilities to fight against insurgents, drug trafficking and goods smuggling and also aimed at taking defensive measures on the borderlands. In terms of research data collection procedures, the study was conducted through utilizing the variety of geological maps, aerial photographs, satellite images as well as conceptual tools including software and models. Thereupon, area modeling were emerged as a result of utilizing fuzzy inference system and also investigating the factors including geomorphological units, geology, lithology, land utilities, easy access to the settlements, transportation routes, height, slope and finally drainage networks. The findings revealed that borderlands of Nehbandan are prone to penetrate. The findings also revealed that the drug trafficking, goods smuggling and insurgents’ penetration can be eradicated through suggestions including investigating the geological maps of military site selection, identifying the capabilities and limitations of geomorphological units in Nehbandan- Afghanistan borderlines, establishing 16 military posts on the borderlines and finally utilizing these units to fight against insurgents.