Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have entered Syria to assist in the government’s counteroffensive against insurgents who recently overtook Aleppo, responding to a joint offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Approximately 200 fighters crossed into Syria to reinforce the Syrian military’s defenses as airstrikes targeting insurgent positions intensified. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed support for the Assad regime amid rising tensions in the region.
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have recently entered Syria to provide assistance to the Syrian government in its counteroffensive against insurgents who have overtaken Aleppo, the country’s second-largest city. Their objective is to support the Syrian military during a challenging period as it attempts to reclaim control of the region. Insurgents led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a simultaneous offensive in Aleppo, making advances into the surrounding areas of Idlib and Hama. In response, the Syrian government forces have fortified their defenses in northern Hama while conducting airstrikes against insurgent positions.
Approximately 200 Iraqi militiamen crossed into Syria via the Bou Kamal border crossing, as reported by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. These fighters were seen traveling in pickup trucks toward Aleppo, where they aim to bolster the Syrian army’s efforts against the insurgents. An Iraqi militia official indicated that additional reinforcements from Tehran-backed Iraqi groups have also mobilized in Syria to further support President Assad’s regime.
The Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeting rebel-held areas in Hama and Idlib last week intensified in response to the insurgents’ movements. Reports from the Syrian Civil Defense in opposition-controlled regions indicate that at least 10 civilians lost their lives in Idlib city and nearby areas due to these aerial assaults.
On another front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, emphasizing Iran’s steadfast support for the Syrian government amidst rising regional tensions. Following his discussions in Syria, he continued to Ankara to engage with Turkish officials regarding the conflict and potential solutions for stability in the region.
The recent escalation in Syria highlights the precarious balance of power in a region fraught with conflict. The insurgent group’s unexpected offensive against Aleppo presents significant challenges for President Assad, whose regime has relied heavily on military support from Iran and Russia. The entry of Iraqi militias underscores Iran’s extensive involvement in Syria since the start of the civil war in 2011, when Iranian forces and advisers were deployed to reinforce Assad’s position against various insurgent factions.
In conclusion, the military actions surrounding Aleppo involving Iranian-backed Iraqi militias and Syrian government forces mark a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict in Syria. The insurgents’ advance, coupled with intensified airstrikes and international diplomatic efforts, reflects the complexities and escalating tensions in the region. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for broader implications for regional stability amidst ongoing strife involving neighboring nations. Significant humanitarian concerns continue to arise as civilians bear the brunt of the conflict.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
