This article discusses a report by Thawra detailing a crackdown by the Syrian Ministry of Interior on Hezbollah cells in the Sayyidah Zainab area, amidst escalating tensions between the Iranian regime and Syrian authorities. The report highlights Iran’s long-standing military involvement in Syria, through both proxy forces and the IRGC, and addresses the implications of Hezbollah’s actions on regional stability.
A recent report by the Syrian newspaper Thawra, dated March 28, 2025, reveals a security crackdown by the Syrian Ministry of Interior on Hezbollah cells in the Sayyidah Zainab area near Damascus. The Rural Damascus Security Directorate, through a post on the platform “X”, revealed the apprehension of individuals who were planning “criminal operations” likely to destabilize the region. Images released by Syrian media display security forces detaining three suspects during the operation.
The tensions between the Iranian regime and Syrian authorities are escalating, as illustrated by recent accusations from the Syrian Ministry of Defense. The ministry blamed Hezbollah operatives for infiltrating Syrian territory, which resulted in the deaths of three soldiers from the newly formed Syrian army. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s influence in Syria, which has been present since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011.
Thawra outlines how the Iranian regime has utilized direct military intervention alongside proxy forces like Hezbollah to sustain its strategic interests in Syria over the years. Notably, Hezbollah has been active in various operations, exemplified by its engagement in the 2013 battle of Qusayr, while the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), led by the late Qassem Soleimani, has significantly aided the Assad regime through military training and intelligence activities.
The article indicates that Iran’s involvement in Syria is not limited to Hezbollah, as IRGC forces have been active since the conflict began, with reports citing over 2,100 IRGC fighters lost by March 2017. Moreover, Thawra accuses Iran of backing the Assad regime’s use of chemical weapons, notably referring to the 2013 Ghouta attacks that led to numerous civilian casualties. The report asserts that Iran, in conjunction with Russia and Hezbollah, has been instrumental in supporting these military endeavors.
Additionally, the report indicates that the Syria-Lebanon border serves as a significant corridor for Hezbollah’s illicit activities, including arms and drug smuggling. These operations are alleged to be conducted with Iranian coordination. Recent months have seen a rise in conflicts along the 375-kilometer border, further implicating Hezbollah in cross-border operations.
Thawra concludes by stressing that the Iranian regime’s ongoing interference in Syria—whether through direct military actions or proxy forces like Hezbollah—poses a severe challenge to regional stability and security. The crackdown on Hezbollah cells in Sayyidah Zainab underscores the fraying relationship between Tehran and Damascus concerning Iranian influence in the Middle East.
The Iranian clerical regime has reportedly mobilized not only IRGC forces but also the Zeynabiyoun and Fatemiyoun brigades to Syria since the 2011 uprising, under the pretext of protecting the Sayyidah Zainab holy site from purported threats. It is noteworthy, however, that current reports assert the newly instated Syrian government is now tasked with the protection and maintenance of this Shiite site, following the regime’s prior control.
In conclusion, the Thawra report sheds light on the ongoing security challenges posed by Hezbollah’s presence in Syria and highlights Iran’s sustained interference in the region. As tensions between Iranian authorities and Syrian forces rise, it remains critical to monitor the implications of these developments on regional stability and security, particularly regarding the Syrian government’s evolving role amidst Iranian influence.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
