The Syrian newspaper Thawra reported a security operation against Hezbollah cells in Sayyidah Zainab, highlighting increasing tensions between Syria and Iran. The Syrian Ministry of Defense has accused Hezbollah operatives of infiltration and violence. The report outlines Iran’s extensive military role in Syria, emphasizing its support for the Assad regime and illicit operations along the Syrian-Lebanese border.
On March 28, 2025, the Syrian newspaper Thawra reported on a security operation initiated by the Syrian Ministry of Interior targeting Hezbollah cells in the Sayyidah Zainab area near Damascus. The Rural Damascus Security Directorate, via its social media account, announced the arrests of individuals allegedly involved in planning “criminal operations” designed to disrupt regional stability. Images of the arrests were disseminated by Syrian media outlets, emphasizing the seriousness of the crackdown.
The tensions between the Iranian regime and Syrian authorities are intensifying, as evidenced by accusations from the Syrian Ministry of Defense alleging Hezbollah infiltration into Syrian territory. It was reported that these operatives were involved in an incident leading to the death of three Syrian army soldiers. This scrutiny reflects the ongoing concerns regarding Tehran’s influence in Syria, which has persisted since the onset of the conflict in 2011.
Thawra’s report underscores Iran’s long-standing strategy of maintaining its influence in Syria, both through direct military intervention and by utilizing proxy forces such as Hezbollah. The role of Hezbollah has been significant, particularly during the 2013 battle of Qusayr, while the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), under the command of the late Qassem Soleimani, has provided essential support to the Assad regime through military training and intelligence efforts.
The article further delineates that Iranian involvement in Syria involves support beyond Hezbollah. The IRGC has had a direct presence in Syria since the conflict began, suffering notable casualties, particularly over 2,100 fighters by March 2017. Moreover, Thawra accuses Iran of endorsing the Assad regime’s use of chemical warfare, particularly highlighted by the 2013 Ghouta attack, leading to widespread civilian casualties.
The report identifies the Syria-Lebanon border as a crucial route for Hezbollah’s illicit operations, including arms and drug trafficking, allegedly coordinated with Iranian support. Recent months have seen an escalation in conflict along this border, with multiple incidents linked to Hezbollah’s activities.
In concluding, the Thawra report emphasizes that Iranian interference in Syria, whether through direct military actions or proxy forces like Hezbollah, continues to impact regional security and stability. The recent crackdown on Hezbollah operations signals ongoing tensions between Tehran and Damascus concerning the extent of Iranian influence and military presence in the area. The Iranian regime has mobilized various forces, including the Zeynabiyoun and Fatemiyoun brigades, under the pretext of protecting the Sayyidah Zainab holy site, a responsibility that has since transitioned to the new Syrian government after the Assad regime was challenged.
In summary, the report from Thawra highlights the complex and escalating tensions between Iran and Syria regarding Hezbollah’s activities and Iranian military involvement. The security crackdown targeting Hezbollah cells underscores the Syrian government’s concerns over internal and regional destabilization. Iran’s influence, exerted through both direct military presence and proxy forces, remains a critical factor affecting the security landscape in Syria and its neighboring regions.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
