Iran-Backed Fighters Enter Syria to Support Assad in Aleppo Amid Rebel Advances
Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters entered Syria on Monday to bolster government forces attempting to reclaim Aleppo, following a significant rebel victory last week that has shifted the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Rebel Victory in Aleppo
Rebel forces achieved one of their most notable successes in years by reclaiming key areas of Aleppo, a city under government control since 2016. Analysts attribute the advance to a reduction in the focus of pro-Assad militias, such as Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which have shifted their attention to other conflicts, including recent battles with Israel and Gaza.
Hadi al-Bahra, a leader of Syria’s opposition abroad, noted that preparations for the rebel offensive had been delayed due to the Gaza conflict, offering an opportunity for rebels to regroup and strike.
Read More: “Hell to Pay” Trump Issues Ultimatum for Gaza Hostages’ Release
Iraqi Militias Cross Borders
At least 300 Iraqi Shi’ite fighters from groups like Badr and Nujabaa entered Syria via clandestine routes to support Assad’s forces and defend a Shi’ite shrine. While Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces and Kataib Hezbollah denied formal involvement, Syrian military officials confirmed the arrival of reinforcements in Aleppo. Fighters reportedly traveled in small groups to evade airstrikes, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing battle.
Hezbollah Refrains From Engagement
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad, has yet to deploy troops in Aleppo, citing the toll of its recent war with Israel. The conflict ended in a ceasefire last week, prompting Hezbollah to pull senior officers from Syria to refocus on its southern frontlines.
Sources close to Hezbollah suggest that the group’s temporary withdrawal could present an opportunity for Arab nations and the U.S. to weaken Assad’s reliance on Iran. Talks are reportedly underway about reducing sanctions on Syria in exchange for diminished Iranian influence.
Regional Ramifications and Rising Tensions
The resurgence of fighting in Aleppo risks destabilizing the region further. Russian forces continue to provide air support for Assad, targeting rebel positions in Aleppo’s eastern suburbs. Meanwhile, Turkish officials deny involvement in the rebel offensive but remain engaged in parallel operations against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
Humanitarian Impact
Civilians in rebel-held territories are bearing the brunt of the violence. Airstrikes in Aleppo and Idlib provinces have targeted residential areas and displacement camps, with the White Helmets reporting several fatalities, including five children. Government shelling in Hama has also claimed civilian lives.
The escalating conflict highlights the fragile balance of power in Syria, where each victory is met with fierce counteroffensives. While the rebels celebrate their success, the complex interplay of regional alliances and the humanitarian toll signal that the Syrian crisis remains far from resolution.
