State authorises subversive regiment to be gutted (6)

I believe the answer is:

assert

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'state' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for assert that I've seen before include "State confidently" , "State firmly and with conviction" , "Establish control or state as true" , "Swear" , "State authoritatively" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app