Iran Accuses U.S. Agent of Assassinating Military Advisor in Syria

The assassination of Iranian military advisor Kiomars Pourhashemi in Syria has been attributed to a U.S. agent, as claimed by Iranian military officials. This incident highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the complexities of military involvement in the region, notably between Iranian and Syrian forces against external pressures from the U.S. and Israel.

On November 28, Iranian military advisor Kiomars Pourhashemi was reported to have been assassinated in Aleppo, Syria, leading Iran’s Deputy Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Mohammad Jafar Asadi, to assert that an infiltrator linked with the U.S. was responsible for his death. In statements to an Iranian news agency, Asadi refuted claims that a Syrian general was involved, dismissing them as “Israeli propaganda aimed at creating discord between Iran and Syria.” He specifically pointed out that such assertions stem from Western narratives.

Brigadier General Pourhashemi served in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and his assassination’s details initially remained unclear. However, contradicting reports from CGTN indicated a Syrian officer shot him during a joint operations meeting, a claim that Asadi vehemently denied. He further elaborated on the dire conditions facing the Syrian army, noting their struggles against global opposition. Asadi also underscored the difficulties faced by Russia in Syria amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict, stating, “The Russians have been bogged down for a long time, with NATO’s imposed war leaving them unable to do much.”

Asadi reflected on the formation of the “National Defense Forces” in Syria, attributing its creation to General Qasem Soleimani and acknowledging the initial resistance from the Syrian army. He explained that while 120,000 volunteers joined the force under difficult circumstances, its numbers have since severely declined due to a reduction in support against insurgents, noting it has dwindled to just 20,000.

Amidst rising tensions between Resistance forces and Syrian leadership, Asadi stressed the innate patriotism among the Syrian people, warning that the humiliation imposed by Israel on Syria is likely to provoke a response from its youth. He expressed confidence that these patriotic sentiments would manifest in a response to perceived aggression.

The context of the article revolves around the escalating tensions in Syria, particularly concerning Iranian influence and the complexities of military operations in the region. The assassination of Iranian advisor Kiomars Pourhashemi highlights ongoing confrontations within a multifaceted conflict involving various factions, including the U.S., Israel, and Syrian forces. Overall, it reflects Iran’s stance on protecting its interests in Syria against perceived Western and Israeli interference.

In summary, the assassination of Brigadier General Kiomars Pourhashemi underscores the intricate and volatile dynamics at play in Syria, particularly the ongoing Iranian involvement and the challenges faced by local forces. Asadi’s comments reveal the critical perspective of Iranian leadership regarding Western and Israeli actions, alongside a call for resilience among Syrian patriots in the face of external pressures. The region remains a focal point of geopolitical tension with emerging implications for Iran-Syrian relations.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com