Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is launching a counteroffensive in response to Islamist advances, bolstered by pro-Iranian militia reinforcements from Iraq. The conflict has seen significant casualties, with over 440 deaths in five days, including civilians from airstrikes. Iran and Russia are supporting Assad militarily, while Kurdish communities face escalating violence, prompting efforts to evacuate civilians. The situation remains dire and complex, with various factions vying for control amid ongoing turmoil.
Assad’s Counteroffensive Amidst Islamist Advances
In light of recent aggressive maneuvers by Islamist rebels, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is gearing up for a counteroffensive. To bolster his military efforts, he is receiving reinforcements from pro-Iranian militias hailing from Iraq. Multiple news agencies have reported that these forces have entered Syria, indicating a strategic shift in the ongoing conflict.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has indicated that approximately 200 fighters have joined the fray. A Syrian officer confirmed to Reuters, “This is fresh reinforcement being sent to help our comrades at the front in the north.” Additionally, other Shiite militias that were already operating in Syria have been activated to support Assad’s counter-offensive plans.
Support from Iran and Russia
Many of the Shiite militias active in Iraq operate under Iranian command, making Iran a crucial ally for Assad. Throughout the Syrian civil war, various pro-Iranian groups have played significant roles, including Hezbollah from Lebanon, which has faced challenges due to Israeli assaults. Now, additional pro-Iranian factions are rallying to assist the Syrian regime.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to supporting Assad. Meanwhile, Russia is also lending its military might, conducting airstrikes against the insurgent forces. The jihadist offensive, led by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has recently gained momentum, capturing Aleppo and advancing towards Idlib and Hama, with assistance from Turkey.
Government forces have reacted by establishing defensive positions in northern Hama and have been engaging in aerial bombardments against the jihadists, supported by Russian aircraft. Reports indicate that the Syrian army has reclaimed some territories around Hama, south of Aleppo.
Tragically, the situation has resulted in civilian casualties. According to activists from the Syrian Civil Defense, airstrikes on the rebel-controlled city of Idlib have resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians, with many others injured. The Syrian state media has also reported similar airstrikes in the vicinity of Al-Safira, south of Aleppo.
The ongoing conflict has claimed over 440 lives within just five days, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, including over 60 civilians. This troubling situation highlights the complexity and dire nature of the conflict, with both government and rebel forces experiencing heavy losses.
Impact on Kurdish Communities
The escalating violence in northern Syria is also affecting Kurdish populations. Military alliances among Kurdish forces are coordinating efforts to evacuate civilians from several regions in Aleppo province. Maslum Abdi, head of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated, “We are actively coordinating with all relevant parties in Syria to ensure the safety of our people and facilitate their safe relocation.” The goal is to transfer civilians to safer areas in the northeast.
According to reports, approximately 200,000 Syrian Kurds find themselves besieged by pro-Turkish groups, with communication in predominantly Kurdish regions having been disrupted. Concerns have been raised regarding potential “massacres” against the Kurdish population, as violence continues to escalate across the region.
As the conflict intensifies, the landscape of Syria remains fraught with uncertainty, presenting both challenges and opportunities for various factions involved.