Iran’s New Militant Group in Syria: A Response to Leadership Changes
A new militant group has formed in Syria to unify various sects and defend national integrity following the anticipated fall of Bashar al-Assad. The organization seeks to respond to the power vacuum and is a reaction to Iran’s waning influence amid regional changes. The Syrian interim president has called for reduced Iranian interference while addressing concerns about Israel’s actions exploiting the regime’s collapse.
Recently, a new militant organization has been formed in Syria purportedly to defend the nation’s integrity following the anticipated fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The group aims to encompass all sects within Syria while focusing on safeguarding the country’s security and territorial integrity. The establishment of this organization was largely prompted by the perceived absence of political and social entities that had traditionally managed Syria’s governance.
This development follows a report from the pro-Hezbollah media outlet Al-Akhbar, which noted that a faction calling itself The Syrian Resistance had begun operations against both Israel and Islamist forces in Damascus. The group specifically condemned these forces as “the gangs of al-Jolani,” a reference to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria, previously affiliated with al-Qaeda.
The destabilization of the Assad regime and the emergence of rebel factions have considerably affected Iran’s strategic interests in the region. Consequently, Shi’ite militia groups, which include fighters from Afghanistan and Pakistan, have retreated to Iraq amidst the ongoing attempt by al-Sharaa to establish a new constitutional framework in Syria, aiming toward a democratic transition.
Hezbollah has also been compelled to withdraw its forces from Syria, concurrently attempting to discreetly transfer its remaining weaponry. The group has faced significant challenges following a devastating conflict with Israel and the election of the pro-Western president, Joseph Aoun. Despite this, elements aligned with the former regime continue sporadic confrontations with the new government.
In recent months, the new Syrian administration has urged Iran to cease its interference in the country’s affairs. During a recent Arab League summit in Cairo, al-Sharaa announced that Syria is embarking on a new chapter in relations with Arab states while expressing concerns that Israel is exploiting the instability arising from the prior government’s collapse.
In summary, the establishment of a new militant organization in Syria reflects the shifts in power dynamics following the anticipated end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The group’s formation underscores the ongoing regional instability and Iran’s diminishing influence, as various factions navigate a complex landscape amidst calls for a redefined governance structure in Syria. The recent developments highlight the challenges faced by all parties involved as they adapt to an emerging political reality.
Original Source: www.thejc.com
