Iran-backed groups are moving through Iraq towards Syria to support Syrian regime forces, according to local sources on Wednesday, Anadolu has reported. The movements are said to have been ongoing for three days.
The groups enter Syria through the Al-Bukamal border crossing with Iraq, with an estimated 50 vehicles crossing daily. These reinforcements are heading towards front-line areas in Hama.
The groups include fighters from the Fatemiyoun and Zainabiyoun Brigades and members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Some convoys are equipped with 23 mm anti-aircraft guns and rocket launchers. At least 400 fighters are said to be involved.
Opposition factions in Syria recently captured several Iranian and Iran-backed fighters during clashes in Aleppo after heavy fighting with Syrian regime forces in the countryside to the west of Aleppo since 27 November. They advanced swiftly into the city of Aleppo, capturing most of its neighbourhoods by Friday evening. By Saturday, they had taken full control of Idlib province after seizing multiple positions and are now on the outskirts of Hama city.
The Fatemiyoun Brigade is composed entirely of Shia Afghan fighters and was formed by the Iranian military in 2011 to bolster the Syrian regime.
The Zainabiyoun Brigade comprises Shia Pakistanis who fled their country for sectarian or political reasons, later receiving religious education in Iranian cities like Qom and Mashhad.
Iran-backed groups maintain a significant presence in Syria’s Deir Ez-Zor province and along the border with Iraq, operating under the direct command of IRGC officers.
Source » middleeastmonitor