The Fate of Iranian Proxies in Syria Amidst Escalating Conflict
Iranian proxies in Syria, notably the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun, played significant roles in supporting the Assad regime during the civil war. However, recent battles have led to swift abandonments of their posts amid anti-Assad offensives. The current status and locations of these groups remain uncertain, although experts suggest Iran is likely to maintain them as part of its strategic interests in the region.
The Iranian proxies in Syria, specifically the Fatemiyoun Brigade comprised of Afghan Shiites and the Zainebiyoun Brigade made up of Pakistani fighters, were integral to the Assad regime’s defense during the Syrian civil war. Initially formed to protect Shiite interests against the rising threat of the Islamic State group, these militias experienced significant engagement in battles to reclaim territory from IS, notably in Palmyra and Aleppo. However, recent escalations led to disarray within their ranks, resulting in many of them abandoning their posts during a coalition offensive against the Assad regime. Experts indicate that despite the uncertain fate of these groups, Iran is unlikely to disband them, given its ongoing reliance on such forces amidst regional tensions, especially involving Hamas and Hezbollah. The Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun, initially small volunteer groups, grew substantially as they were supported by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) through various recruiting methods, including coercive tactics. As combat operations shifted, a reduction in militia activity was observed, yet remnants of these groups remain, either awaiting transit back to Iran or possibly infiltrating Iraq and Lebanon. The full extent of their current situation remains largely obscured, with many areas left abandoned and unguarded during recent conflicts.
The context of this situation involves the broader geopolitical struggle in the Middle East, specifically the involvement of Iranian-backed proxies in the Syrian civil war. These groups were created by Iran as part of its strategic plan to maintain influence across the region and provide military support to the Assad regime against various opposition forces, including the Islamic State. The Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun exemplify Iran’s recruitment strategies that leverage ethnic and religious affiliations, drawing fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Their growing role in critical battles underscored their significance, although recent events have led to questions about their stability and future existence.
In summary, the fate of the Iranian proxies, Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun, hangs in the balance following their rapid retreat in the face of an intensified anti-Assad coalition. The groups played a vital role in sustaining Iran’s regional ambitions through military support to the Assad regime. As the dynamics of the region change, it is evident that while they may have diminished in number, their potential redeployment remains a critical aspect of Iran’s strategic calculus amid ongoing conflicts involving Hamas and Hezbollah.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
