Iran has begun evacuating military officials and personnel from Syria due to a revitalized rebel offensive, indicating a decline in its capacity to support President Bashar al-Assad. High-ranking commanders from the Quds Forces are included in the withdrawals, which are occurring via both air and land routes to Iraq and Lebanon. The situation reflects a significant shift as Iranian military influence in Syria is tested.
On Friday, Iran commenced the evacuation of its military commanders and personnel from Syria, a move indicative of its dwindling capacity to support President Bashar al-Assad amid an escalating offensive by rebel forces. A number of high-ranking commanders of the Quds Forces, the elite external wing of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, along with Iranian diplomatic staff, their families, and civilians, were among those relocated to Iraq and Lebanon. Evacuations were initiated from the Iranian Embassy in Damascus as well as various Revolutionary Guards bases. Notably, these withdrawals involved air travel to Tehran and land routes to neighboring countries including Lebanon and Iraq.
Prominent Iranian analyst Mehdi Rahmati asserted, “Iran is starting to evacuate its forces and military personnel because we cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight,” highlighting the complex dynamics that have prompted this significant withdrawal. Despite Iran’s invested interests in Syria, the recent developments appear to signal a retreat in its military involvement as opposition forces gain ground.
The situation in Syria has been increasingly volatile, with President Bashar al-Assad’s regime facing renewed challenges from rebel factions. Iran has been a staunch ally of Assad, providing military and strategic support through various units of the Revolutionary Guards, particularly the Quds Forces. The recent evacuation underscores a potential shift in Iran’s ability to maintain its foothold in Syria, especially as the Syrian army’s commitment to the fight wanes. The backdrop of this evacuation is framed by an intensified conflict environment, where Iranian interests and influence could be significantly affected by the outcome of ongoing hostilities.
In summary, Iran’s decision to evacuate military personnel from Syria signals a critical juncture in its involvement in the region. Challenges posed by a revitalized rebel offensive have undermined Tehran’s ability to support the Assad regime effectively. The exodus of both military and diplomatic personnel demonstrates the precarious nature of Iran’s strategic position in Syria as it reassesses its military commitments under deteriorating conditions.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
