Iran has begun evacuating military officials from Syria as the Assad regime faces intensified rebel attacks, signaling a shift in Iran’s ability to support the Syrian government. Key personnel from its Quds Forces are relocating to neighboring Iraq and Lebanon, with operations conducted through both air and land routes.
In a significant development, Iran has commenced the evacuation of its military leadership and personnel from Syria, responding to escalating challenges faced by President Bashar al-Assad amid a renewed rebel offensive. This action reflects Iran’s struggle to sustain its influential role in supporting the Assad regime. The evacuation includes critical commanders from the Quds Forces, a specialized branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, and involves transport to Iraq, Lebanon, and internally to Tehran and Latakia. The evacuation was reportedly initiated from the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and various Revolutionary Guards bases, highlighting the precarious situation on the ground as the Syrian military’s will to combat dwindles. According to Iranian analyst Mehdi Rahmati, “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.”
The Iranian military presence in Syria has been a pivotal element in supporting President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, especially during the protracted civil war. Iran’s Quds Forces have served as critical advisors and combatants in aiding Syrian forces against both domestic and foreign adversaries. However, the resurgence of rebel offensives poses a serious threat to Assad’s governance, thus urging Iran to reconsider its military commitments within Syria. The current evacuation signifies not only a strategic retreat but also reflects the shifting dynamics of power in the region and the limitations faced by Iran in continuing its military operations.
The initiation of the evacuation of Iranian military officials from Syria marks a critical turning point as it underscores the challenges faced by Iran in maintaining its influence in the region. With the Syrian regime’s diminished capacity to wage an effective fight against insurgent forces, Iran’s withdrawal signals a recalibration of its strategy. The actions taken reveal the vulnerability of the Assad regime and the precarious balance of power in the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp