Renewed Violence in Syria: Iran-Backed Militias Join Assad as Airstrikes Escalate
Iran-backed militias have arrived in Syria to assist President Assad against advancing rebels, as Syrian and Russian airstrikes result in significant casualties. The recent rebel offensive has seen gains in Aleppo and Hama, highlighting vulnerabilities in Assad’s forces amid a protracted civil war marked by both local and international complexities.
Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to provide support to President Bashar al-Assad in his ongoing conflict against rebel forces. According to military sources, these reinforcements arrived through Iraq and are expected to bolster Assad’s troops as they face significant challenges on multiple fronts. The situation escalated following a series of airstrikes conducted by Russian and Syrian jets, targeting rebel-held areas and resulting in at least 25 fatalities. This resurgence of violence comes amid a surprising rebel offensive that regained control over key territories, including Aleppo and Hama.
The backdrop of this conflict reveals a complex geopolitical landscape, where both Iranian and Russian involvement has been pivotal to Assad’s regime. Historically, Russia intervened in Syria in 2015, enabling Assad to reclaim lost territories. Meanwhile, the Iranian regime has consistently provided military support, evidencing a longstanding alliance against the insurgency. The recent rebel advance underscores the vulnerabilities of Assad’s forces, heightened by external pressures on both Russia and Hezbollah, which may restrict capabilities in the region. Furthermore, the humanitarian situation remains dire, especially in regions like Idlib, where civilians continue to suffer the consequences of relentless airstrikes and violent clashes, leading to more displacement and casualties.
The current situation in Syria marks a significant resurgence of hostilities, reigniting a civil war that has persisted for over a decade. The ongoing conflict is characterized by the involvement of various international players, primarily Iran and Russia, who support Assad’s regime against a backdrop of complex local power dynamics among rebel groups. Recent escalations have highlighted the effectiveness of rebel forces, particularly the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has executed unexpected offensives in important strategic locations. The situation is further complicated by the shifting focus of Russian military assets, which have been impacted by other geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine.
In summary, the entry of Iranian-backed militias into Syria underscores the intensifying nature of the conflict as both the Assad regime and rebel factions vie for control over significant territories. The resumption of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces in response to the rebels’ gains indicates a critical juncture in the civil war, raising concerns over humanitarian impacts on civilian populations in affected areas. Moreover, this scenario reflects broader geopolitical strategies employed by both Western and Eastern powers within the Middle East, illustrating the ongoing complexity of the Syrian crisis.
Original Source: news.sky.com
