Iranian proxies, the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades, formed to support Assad during the Syrian civil war, have recently experienced widespread abandonment as anti-Assad forces advance. While their future remains uncertain, experts believe Iran is likely to maintain and potentially restructure these militias amid diminished reliance on regional allies, driven by the instability in the Middle East.
During the Syrian civil war, Iranian proxies such as the Fatemiyoun Brigade and the Zainebiyoun Brigade played pivotal roles in supporting the Assad regime. Comprised of Afghan and Pakistani Shiite fighters, respectively, these groups were initially formed to counter the Islamic State’s threats to both the Assad regime and Shiite religious sites. At their peak, they participated decisively in key battles, regaining strategic territories. However, recent anti-Assad offensives have led to significant defections from these militias, resulting in mass abandonment of positions, raising questions about their future viability. Experts indicate that Iran is unlikely to dissolve these groups, due to the destabilizing conditions faced by Hamas and Hezbollah, suggesting a potential shift in their operational structure and a continued need for such forces in the region. The origins of these brigades lie in Iran’s IRGC’s recruitment strategies which involved financial incentives, ideological motivations, and even coercion, garnering fighters from refugee and migrant backgrounds, particularly within Afghanistan and Pakistan. As the civil war progressed, the Fatemiyoun was upgraded within military structures and was reported to have significant numbers, while the Zainebiyoun remained smaller yet active. In light of recent developments, the whereabouts of these fighters have become uncertain, as many soundly retreated prior to an expected defensive effort in key locations, such as Damascus, highlighting the unpredictable landscape of militia forces in Syria today.
The Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades were prominently utilized by Iran as part of its strategy to bolster the Assad regime during the civil war in Syria. These groups arose in response to both the escalating threat from the Islamic State and the need to protect Shiite sites. Their formation allowed Iran to extend its influence within Syria and counter Sunni extremism, aligning with broader regional objectives. The IRGC’s active involvement in these militias represented a calculated move to ensure the preservation of Shiite power within a largely Sunni-dominated conflict, thus establishing a significant proxy structure in the Middle East. As the dynamics of the conflict shifted with recent rebel offensives, the stability and operational capacity of these Iranian proxies have been thrown into question.
In summary, the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades, formed to support the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war, face uncertain futures after recent attacks led to mass defections. As these groups attempted to fulfill their roles amidst shifting alliances and intensified conflicts, their numbers dwindled. With internal dissent within their ranks and potential evacuations to Iran or elsewhere, the Iranian strategy regarding these proxies will need to adapt as regional circumstances evolve. Despite the turmoil, experts suggest the survival of these forces remains essential to Iran’s broader geopolitical ambitions.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
