The Iranian proxies in Syria, notably the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades, played significant roles in supporting the Assad regime during the civil war. These groups recently faced rapid abandonment of their positions amid anti-Assad advances, leading to uncertainty regarding their future. Analysts believe Iran will maintain these forces given regional shifts, particularly impacting groups like Hezbollah, further emphasizing their importance in Iran’s military strategy.
The Iranian proxies in Syria, particularly the Fatemiyoun Brigade and the Zainebiyoun Brigade, were crucial components of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” tasked with providing military support to the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war. Initially formed by Afghan and Pakistani Shiite volunteers, these groups significantly impacted the conflict, aiding Syrian forces against the Islamic State in key battles over the last few years. However, in light of recent anti-Assad advances, many of these fighters reportedly abandoned their posts, leaving their current status ambiguous. Observers suggest that despite their retreat, Iran is unlikely to dissolve these factions, as they play an integral role amidst changing regional dynamics, particularly following setbacks suffered by Hezbollah and Hamas. Recruitment methods employed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) included financial incentives and promises of legal status for Afghan migrants. The Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun have been central to the Assad regime’s military campaigns since their inception. Unfortunately, as the conflict continues to evolve, their ultimate fate remains uncertain, with some reports indicating movements towards Iran or neighboring Iraq.
Iran’s support for proxy groups in Syria emerged as a crucial tactic to bolster the Assad regime, especially as extremist factions like the Islamic State posed significant threats. The Fatemiyoun, consisting of Afghan Shiite fighters, and the Zainebiyoun, made up of Pakistani Shiites, saw their formations increase as the Syrian civil war escalated. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) orchestrated the recruitment and management of these battalions, leading to their involvement in crucial battles against IS. However, the recent shifts in the war have led to a significant decrease in their presence, raising questions about their future deployment.
In summary, the Iranian proxies in Syria, particularly the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades, have been pivotal in supporting the Assad regime throughout the Syrian civil war. Recent developments, however, suggest a rapid withdrawal of these fighters in the face of opposition advancements. Despite this retreat, experts argue that Iran will retain and potentially reformulate these forces in response to broader regional challenges. The fate of these proxy groups remains uncertain as the conflict unfolds, with some indications of relocation to Iran or Iraq.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
