Iran-Backed Militias Reinforce Syrian Forces Amid Renewed Rebel Offensive
Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to aid President Bashar al-Assad in response to a shock rebel offensive, which has seen rebels gain control of significant territories including Aleppo. Concurrently, airstrikes from Syrian and Russian forces have caused substantial casualties, highlighting the complexities and evolving dynamics of the Syrian civil war.
In recent developments in Syria, Iran-backed militias have reportedly crossed into the country to assist President Bashar al-Assad in combating a renewed rebel uprising. According to sources within the Syrian army, these militants arrived from Iraq and include factions such as Katiab Hezbollah and the Fatemiyoun Brigade. Concurrently, Syrian and Russian military forces have conducted intensive airstrikes in the northwestern region, resulting in numerous casualties. As of early December 2024, the White Helmets report that at least 25 individuals have died due to these strikes, which targeted areas occupied by rebel fighters across the Idlib and Aleppo provinces.
The resurgence of conflict comes in the wake of a surprising rebel offensive led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This group has reportedly regained significant territory, including control of parts of Aleppo. Military analysts suggest that reduced Russian air support, caused by Moscow’s ongoing focus on the Ukraine conflict, has created an opening for the rebels, complicating the situation further for pro-Assad forces. In response, Iran, a key ally of the Assad regime, has increased its military support, echoing Russia’s previous interventions during earlier phases of the civil war.
The Syrian civil war, which has persisted for more than a decade, has seen multilateral involvement and shifting power dynamics. Following mass protests against the Assad regime beginning in 2011, the conflict escalated into a complex civil war characterized by a multitude of factions and external interventions. Iran and Russia have been pivotal supporters of Assad, providing military and economic assistance to bolster his regime. The recent resurgence of conflict suggests not only a re-evaluation of territorial control but also highlights the shifting geopolitical strategies of Russia and Iran amidst changing conditions on the ground.
The recent re-entry of Iran-backed militias into Syrian territory, coupled with airstrikes from both Syrian and Russian forces, signifies a critical juncture in the ongoing civil war. The unexpected rebel offensive has surprised government forces and raised concerns regarding their overall preparedness. Moreover, the ongoing engagement of both Iran and Russia underscores their commitment to Assad’s regime, even as the landscape of the conflict continues to evolve with possible repercussions for regional stability and international relations.
Original Source: news.sky.com
