Iran’s military bases in Syria have been abandoned, marking the sudden end of their influential presence. This retreat followed a decade of support for President Bashar al-Assad, leaving behind vital remnants of military operations. With deep connections established, the abrupt withdrawal signifies a significant shift in the regional balance of power, influenced by internal rifts and escalating conflict with opposing forces.
Iran’s military presence and bases in Syria have been abandoned, showcasing an abrupt and chaotic retreat. Left behind are remnants of daily life such as moldy food, discarded uniforms, and weapons, all symbolizing the disintegration of a decade-long involvement in the Syrian conflict. Iranian forces and their allies reportedly fled with little notice, illustrating a state of panic as they left strategic locations across the region.
For over a decade, Iran has been a pivotal ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, deploying military advisers and foreign militias to support Assad’s regime. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) established crucial underground bases and provided extensive military training and supplies to various fighters, aimed at forming a security corridor against Israel.
The abandoned base near Khan Shaykhun serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s military ambitions. It was once a strategic outpost for the IRGC, operating under the name “The Position of Martyr Zahedi.” Recent receipts for commodities suggest that daily operations continued until just before the retreat. Currently, the base is under the control of Uyghur fighters belonging to the militant group Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham.
The remnants of the base include tunnels and bunk beds, with Iranian flags present, revealing the area’s former significance. Sensitive documents were left behind, detailing personal information about Iranian-associated fighters, including those from Afghanistan recruited by Iran to bolster their Syrian presence.
Iran’s retreat was described as sudden, with orders to evacuate issued at the last minute. One source noted, “The order was to just take your backpack and leave.” Many soldiers fled to neighboring Iraq, while others sought safety in Lebanon or Russian bases. The rapid advancement of opposing forces took Iran by surprise and contributed to their disbandment.
The apparent breakdown in trust between Iran and Assad’s regime, particularly following increased Israeli airstrikes post-Hamas’s attack on Israel, precipitated the collapse of Iranian influence in Syria. There are reports of Iranian paramilitary groups blaming Assad for disloyalty, indicating significant internal strife.
Locals and former residents express a mixture of relief and resentment towards Iranian forces, characterizing their presence as an occupation. Many stated they preferred Russians, despite experiencing their own violence, primarily because Russians were less intrusive on daily life than the Iranian militias.
The new Syrian authority has explicitly banned Iranian nationals from entering the country, reflecting a shift in public sentiment against Iranian control while being relatively accommodating towards Russian presence.
In conclusion, Iran’s retreat from its bases in Syria underscores the rapid deterioration of its military foothold in the region. The once expansive network of Iranian military operations, characterized by deep infiltration and support for militant groups, has been reduced to abandoned sites, rife with remnants of hasty departures. This shift not only alters the geopolitical landscape but also reflects deep-seated changes in local perceptions towards foreign military influences. As Syria emerges from a decade of conflict, the new authorities appear zealous in asserting independence from Iranian control, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing struggle for influence in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
