Iran-backed militias have entered Syria to bolster government forces as Russian and Syrian airstrikes target rebel positions, resulting in significant casualties. The resurgence of rebel offensives in Aleppo indicates a shift in the power dynamics of the Syrian civil war, which has escalated amid reduced international focus. Key military support from Iran and Russia continues to play a crucial role in the conflict.
Iran-backed militia groups have reportedly entered Syria from Iraq to support President Bashar al-Assad in his ongoing struggle against rebel forces. This development follows recent airstrikes by Syrian government and Russian jets, reportedly resulting in at least 25 casualties in northwestern Syria. The resurgence of hostilities marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has seen a reduction in international attention in recent years.
The conflict in Syria, primarily taking place in regions such as Aleppo and Idlib, intensified over the weekend as insurgents, primarily from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, captured portions of Aleppo with minimal opposition from government troops. The Syrian army confirmed the arrival of Iran-backed fighters, including factions such as Katiab Hezbollah and the Fatemiyoun brigade, stating these reinforcements aim to bolster their positions against advancing rebels.
The recent military actions reflect the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. Russia’s involvement, as highlighted by military analyst Sean Bell, traces back to Moscow’s commitment to propping up Assad’s regime, particularly following significant events in Aleppo in 2016. The current situation suggests a gap in Russian air support, attributed to the country’s focus on the conflict in Ukraine, allowing rebels to exploit vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the Syrian government and its allies deny targeting civilians, asserting that their operations focus exclusively on insurgent positions. However, local sources, including the White Helmets, express concerns about the high civilian toll amid the strikes. The civil conflict continues to evolve, with the latest developments revealing a complex landscape of alliances and military strategies that underscore the contentious nature of the Syrian war.
Syria’s civil conflict, which has persisted since 2011, originally began as a response to government repression and has since evolved into a multifaceted war involving multiple factions and foreign interventions. Although the international focus has waned in recent years, recent events reflect a significant resurgence in fighting, particularly with the reinvigoration of rebel offensives. The role of international actors, notably Iran and Russia, has been pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the conflict, influencing both military operations and the political landscape within Syria.
In summary, the recent influx of Iran-backed militias into Syria and the renewed offensive by rebel forces illustrate the ongoing volatility and complexity of the Syrian civil war. With key players like Russia and Iran remaining deeply entrenched in their support for President Assad, the situation on the ground is likely to evolve further. The high civilian casualties reported amidst the military operations highlight the dire humanitarian impact of the conflict, which shows no signs of resolution despite years of international attention and intervention.
Original Source: news.sky.com
