Iran Begins Withdrawal of Military Personnel from Syria Amid Rebel Resurgence

Iran has begun evacuating military officials and personnel from Syria, signaling a reduction in its support for President Bashar al-Assad amid increasing rebel activity. The operation includes the withdrawal of Quds Force commanders, diplomatic staff, and families, as concerns grow about the willingness of Syrian forces to engage in combat.

On Friday, Iran initiated the evacuation of its military personnel and officials from Syria, a significant move indicating Tehran’s diminishing ability to support President Bashar al-Assad amid a renewed offensive by rebel forces. The operation involved the withdrawal of senior commanders from Iran’s elite Quds Forces, which is a key component of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The evacuations involved not only military personnel but also Iranian diplomatic staff, their families, and civilians, with departures occurring both via air to Tehran and land routes to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Lebanon.

This strategic withdrawal was reported by regional and Iranian officials, who confirmed that the evacuation was executed from both the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and various Revolutionary Guard bases. Observers noted the urgency of the situation, with one Iranian analyst stating, “Iran is starting to evacuate its forces and military personnel because we cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight.” This remark underscores the complexities and challenges faced by Iran in sustaining its military involvement in Syria as the Assad government confronts intensified resistance from rebel factions.

The events surrounding the evacuation reflect a broader context of the ongoing conflict in Syria, where Iran has been a fundamental ally of President Bashar al-Assad. Iranians have provided military support through the Quds Force to bolster Assad’s regime against various opposition factions. However, the recent surge in rebel activity has strained these efforts, compelling Iran to reassess its military presence in the region. The withdrawal of key military personnel suggests a significant shift in Iran’s strategic calculations regarding its involvement in the Syrian civil war.

In summary, the evacuation of Iranian military officials from Syria illustrates the challenges faced by Tehran in maintaining its influence and support for President Bashar al-Assad amid a revitalized opposition. With key Iranian personnel now relocating to Iraq and Lebanon, the situation highlights the precarious nature of Iran’s position in the ongoing conflict, as noted by analysts who emphasize the reluctance of Syrian forces to continue fighting under the current circumstances.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com