Twelve Pro-Iranian Fighters Killed in Airstrikes in Eastern Syria

Twelve pro-Iranian fighters were killed in unidentified airstrikes in Deir El Zour, Syria. The strikes, concentrated near military sites, have raised injuries among others. Iran’s military support for Syria since 2011 faces opposition from Israel and the U.S. amid fears of regional conflict.

On Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an airstrike, the origins of which remain unidentified, resulted in the deaths of twelve pro-Iranian fighters in eastern Syria. These strikes particularly targeted positions in and around Deir El Zour, including the Boukamal region bordering Iraq. According to the Observatory, the strikes were concentrated around military sites near Deir El Zour airport, with numerous injuries reported among those present at the time of the attacks. Iran has been actively providing military assistance to the Syrian government since the onset of the civil war in 2011. Concurrently, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes against pro-Iranian groups situated in eastern Syria, while the United States has also targeted such entities in the region. Although Israeli authorities typically refrain from commenting on individual military operations in Syria, they have consistently declared their intent to prevent Iran from increasing its influence in the area. In recent days, Israel has escalated its military campaign against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, raising concerns regarding the potential for broader regional conflict. The Israeli military has also focused its operations on disrupting the supply routes used by Hezbollah along the Syrian-Lebanese border, further heightening tensions in the region.

This incident highlights the ongoing conflict and complex geopolitical dynamics in Syria, particularly concerning the involvement of pro-Iranian forces. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, Iran has played a critical role in supporting the Assad regime through military aid and personnel. Concurrently, Israel has maintained a policy of preemptive strikes against Iranian-linked targets in Syria to thwart any perceived threats from its long-standing adversary. The U.S. has also engaged in military actions against these groups, underlining the multifaceted nature of the conflict. The region has witnessed an uptick in hostility, especially with Israel’s recent intensified focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which could potentially lead to a larger regional escalation involving various actors with vested interests in the ongoing conflict.

In summary, the reported airstrikes in eastern Syria resulted in the deaths of twelve pro-Iranian fighters, marking another chapter in the enduring conflict involving multiple state and non-state actors in the region. The strikes reflect the ongoing struggle for power and influence by Iran and its adversaries, notably Israel and the United States, amidst fears of escalating violence that could influence broader regional stability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com