BEIRUT — Iraqi militias backed by Iran have positioned themselves in Syria to assist the government in its ongoing counteroffensive against a sudden insurgency that has taken control of Aleppo, the largest city in the country. A militia official and a war monitoring group reported on Monday that these developments are unfolding against a backdrop of escalating violence in the region.
Last week, insurgents led by the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham executed a coordinated attack on Aleppo, subsequently extending their advance into the rural areas surrounding Idlib and Hama provinces. In response, government forces have constructed a fortified defensive line in northern Hama in an effort to impede the insurgents’ advances. Meanwhile, airstrikes executed by jets over the weekend targeted rebel-held positions in these areas.
On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with Syrian President Bashar Assad in Damascus, where he reaffirmed Tehran’s unwavering support for the Assad administration. Following his meeting with Assad, Araghchi traveled to Ankara, Turkey, which is recognized as one of the principal supporters of the insurgents.
“I clearly announced full-fledged support to President Assad, government, army, and people of Syria by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Araghchi stated, underscoring Iran’s longstanding political and military ties with Assad’s regime since the uprising against his government erupted in 2011, evolving into a full-scale conflict.
The Iranian-backed Iraqi militias that were already operating in Syria have mobilized additional troops, who have crossed the border to reinforce Assad’s military forces. An Iraqi militia official, speaking under condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization for media comments, indicated that there are ongoing reinforcements.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group based in Britain, approximately 200 Iraqi fighters arrived in Syria overnight via the crucial Bou Kamal crossing. These forces are anticipated to be deployed in Aleppo, assisting the Syrian army’s effort to regain territory lost to insurgents.
Airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces against rebel positions have persisted, primarily targeting regions in Hama and Idlib. Reports from the Syrian Civil Defense, which operates in opposition-held territories, indicated that at least ten civilians were killed in the city of Idlib and surrounding areas.
In the wake of the escalating violence, many Syrian Kurds are fleeing as Turkish-backed rebels have taken control of Tel Rifaat from U.S.-supported Kurdish forces. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have retreated significantly and are now advocating for a humanitarian corridor to facilitate safe passage for those wishing to escape toward Aleppo and into Kurdish-led territories in the northeast.
