Iran-backed militias bolster Assad, cross into Syria

According to a high-ranking representative of the Syrian army, members of the Shiite Fatemiyoun Brigade, trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, have joined the fight. This formation includes fighters of Afghan origin and members of Kataib Hezbollah, who aim to establish a pro-Iranian government in Iraq.

Dozens of Iraqi fighters from the Popular Mobilization Forces, allied with Iran, have also crossed the border. A senior Syrian officer stated that these are fresh reinforcements sent to help our comrades on the front line in the north.

The British portal Sky News Arabic reported that Hezbollah has also moved some of its forces from Lebanon to Syria. During the civil war, Iran sent thousands of members of Shiite militias to Syria, supporting Assad's regime in regaining control over most of the territory.

According to military sources, the absence of these forces locally contributed to the swift withdrawal of the Syrian army from Aleppo last week. Reuters notes that the presence of pro-Iranian militias was crucial for maintaining power in Assad's regime.

A channel associated with the Russian Ministry of Defense, "Rybar," announced yesterday that the commander of Russian troops in Syria, Gen. Sergey Kisel, was removed from his position after the capture of Aleppo by fighters.

Kisel was appointed commander of the Russian military group in Syria in 2024. After Russia invaded Ukraine fully, he was relieved of his duties as commander of the 1st Guards Tank Army following the failed operation in Kharkiv. Previously, the general led a military group in Aleppo.