Iran’s Influence and Hezbollah’s Operations in Syria: Insights from Thawra Report

A recent Thawra report reveals a Syrian crackdown on Hezbollah cells in Sayyidah Zainab amid escalating Iranian influence concerns. The Syrian Ministry of Defense accuses Hezbollah of infiltrating and contributing to military fatalities. Iran maintains its presence through direct military actions and proxies, including Hezbollah, raising implications for regional stability and security.

Recent reports from the Syrian newspaper Thawra detail a security operation by the Syrian Ministry of Interior targeting Hezbollah cells in the Sayyidah Zainab area near Damascus. This crackdown, which followed an announcement from the Rural Damascus Security Directorate, aimed to thwart planned “criminal operations” intended to destabilize the region. Images surfaced of security forces apprehending three individuals linked to these cells during the enforcement action.

The situation highlights rising tensions between the Iranian regime and Syrian authorities, especially following accusations from the Syrian Ministry of Defense that Hezbollah operatives have infiltrated Syrian territory, leading to the death of three Syrian soldiers. These events underscore the growing scrutiny on Iran’s influence in Syria, which has been evident since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.

According to Thawra, the Iranian regime has maintained its strategic presence in Syria through direct military intervention and the utilization of proxy forces such as Hezbollah. Historical involvement of Hezbollah includes key battles like the 2013 battle of Qusayr, while the Quds Force, under Qassem Soleimani, has been instrumental in bolstering the Assad regime with military training and intelligence operations.

The report further reveals that the Iranian regime’s involvement extends beyond just Hezbollah, encompassing direct engagement from IRGC forces since the conflict’s inception. By March 2017, reports indicated that the IRGC had incurred significant personnel losses with over 2,100 fighters killed. Notably, Iran has been implicated in supporting the Assad regime’s alleged utilization of chemical weapons during attacks, including the deadly 2013 Ghouta incident.

Thawra asserts that the Syria-Lebanon border has become a focal point for Hezbollah’s illicit activities, such as arms and drug trafficking, which are allegedly coordinated with Iranian backing. Heightened hostilities have emerged along this 375-kilometer border, with numerous reports of Hezbollah engaging in cross-border operations.

The report concludes by stressing that Iran’s persistent interference in Syria—whether through direct military action or reliance on proxy forces like Hezbollah—continues to pose significant challenges to regional stability and security. The recent crackdown on Hezbollah cells in Sayyidah Zainab illustrates ongoing tensions between Tehran and Damascus regarding the extent of Iranian command in the area. Moreover, since the uprising began in 2011, the Iranian regime has dispatched IRGC, Zeynabiyoun, and Fatemiyoun brigades to Syria under the guise of protecting the Sayyidah Zainab holy site from perceived threats. However, reports indicate that following the collapse of the Assad regime, the new Syrian government has taken responsibility for the protection of the Shiite site.

The Thawra report illustrates critical developments concerning Iranian interference in Syria, emphasizing the operations against Hezbollah cells and the rising tensions between Tehran and the Syrian government. Despite Hezbollah’s historical presence and Iran’s backing, the Syrian authorities appear increasingly vigilant in addressing such influences. A clearer understanding of these dynamics is essential for comprehending the ongoing regional instability and security concerns.

Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org