Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have entered Syria to assist Syrian government forces facing a takeover in Aleppo by insurgents. Approximately 200 militiamen crossed over to strengthen the military’s counteroffensive efforts against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s support for Assad as airstrikes in Hama and Idlib resulted in civilian casualties. Increased fighting raises concerns over regional destabilization.
In response to a sudden insurgent offensive in Aleppo, Syrian government forces have received support from Iranian-backed Iraqi militias. Approximately 200 militiamen crossed into Syria through the Bou Kamal border crossing to assist the Syrian military in its counteroffensive. Their reinforcements aim to bolster the defenses of the Syrian army, which is currently struggling against the advancing jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The insurgents have intensified their efforts, prompting Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeting rebel positions in Hama and Idlib. This conflict has taken a toll on civilians with reports indicating at least 10 deaths in Idlib from airstrikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Damascus underscored Tehran’s ongoing commitment to support President Bashar al-Assad amid these developments. With the insurgents threatening to reach Damascus, the situation remains tense; however, daily life in the capital appears relatively unaffected. In contrast, southeastern Aleppo’s residents face chaos, with many fleeing the area amidst fuel shortages, signaling a growing crisis as the conflict escalates, raising concerns of wider regional instability that might involve Russia and Turkey due to their competing interests in Syria.
The situation in Syria remains precarious, as the civil war, which began in 2011, has drawn in multiple international actors. The conflict intensified as various factions, including the government, insurgents, and foreign militias, vied for control. Iranian support for the Assad regime has been a cornerstone of its military strategy, often facilitating the mobilization of Iraqi militias in operations aimed at stabilizing the government against insurgent forces. The recent advance of HTS has not only embarrassed the government but has also further complicated the already chaotic landscape in Syria, where multiple conflicts intersect and have the potential to trigger broader regional hostilities.
The involvement of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias in the Syrian conflict highlights the evolving dynamics of the civil war as it faces renewed threats from insurgent forces. While the Syrian government seeks to restore stability, the humanitarian impact on civilians remains severe, with ongoing airstrikes contributing to casualties. The complex interplay of regional actors, alongside the escalating violence, underscores the necessity for diplomatic efforts to avoid a broader conflict that could embroil neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
