Iran-Backed Militias Reinforce Assad’s Forces Amid Resurgent Rebel Attacks

Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to support President Assad amid renewed rebel offensives, with airstrikes from Syrian and Russian forces resulting in civilian casualties. The rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have gained control of significant territory, raising questions about the preparedness of Assad’s forces. The conflict reveals the ongoing complexities and shifting alliances in the Syrian civil war.

In the latest developments in Syria, Iran-backed militias have crossed into the country to assist President Bashar al-Assad’s forces against a resurgent rebel offensive. Reports indicate that airstrikes carried out by Syrian and Russian forces in northwestern Syria have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 individuals. This sudden resurgence of violence marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, which had seen a degree of stagnation in recent years due to the focus on other geopolitical issues.

The involvement of Iranian militia groups, such as Kataib Hezbollah and the Fatemiyoun brigade, highlights the ongoing regional power struggles. These groups are reportedly entering Syria from Iraq to bolster the Syrian army amid a surprising rebel offensive led by the jihadi faction known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. This offensive has reportedly resulted in the rebels capturing large portions of Aleppo with little resistance from government forces.

The intensified airstrikes in rebel-controlled areas such as Idlib and Aleppo have raised alarms, with reports of civilian casualties in densely populated regions. Despite the Syrian government’s denials of targeting civilians, humanitarian workers like those from the White Helmets describe widespread devastation and a complex situation where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing war.

Analysts suggest that Russia’s renewed military engagement in Syria coincides with a perceived gap in support for Assad’s regime, given Moscow’s ongoing military commitments in Ukraine. The current military dynamics reveal an intricate relationship between various state and non-state actors, each with their interests at play in the prolonged Syrian civil war.

The ongoing conflict in Syria, which erupted in 2011 following widespread protests against Assad’s regime, has been characterized by a complex interplay of international and domestic forces. Russia and Iran have emerged as vital allies of the Assad government, providing military assistance and strategic support. Over the years, the war has shifted with the rise of various rebel factions, including extremist groups, and a significantly fluctuating front line. This latest resurgence of violence illustrates the fragility of the situation, reflecting a potential shift in power dynamics as rebel groups gain ground against regime forces after years of stagnation in combat activities.

The entry of Iran-backed militias into Syria underscores the ongoing complexities of the Syrian civil war, which is marked by the involvement of various international powers supporting opposing factions. The latest airstrikes and rebel territorial gains signal a notable escalation in hostilities, with significant humanitarian consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire. As the situation develops, it may lead to further geopolitical ramifications in the region, particularly regarding the roles of Russia and Iran in supporting the Assad regime against escalating rebel threats.

Original Source: news.sky.com