Iran has begun evacuating military officials and personnel from Syria as a response to increased rebel offensives against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The withdrawal involves commanders from the Quds Force and Iranian diplomatic staff, moving to Iraq, Lebanon, and Tehran. Analysts indicate that this reflects Iran’s challenges in backing Assad’s forces effectively amid a lack of commitment from the Syrian army itself.
On Friday, Iran commenced a significant withdrawal of its military officials and personnel from Syria, amid escalating hostilities from rebel forces confronting President Bashar al-Assad. This evacuation reflects Iran’s diminished capability to sustain Assad’s regime against the growing threat from opposition groups. Senior commanders of the Quds Force, the external wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, are among those being transferred to Iraq and Lebanon. The Iranian Embassy in Damascus initiated these evacuations, with reports indicating that diplomatic staff, their families, and Iranian civilians are also part of this operation. Evacuation methods include airlift services to Tehran and land transport to neighboring countries, including Iraq and Lebanon.
Regional analysts indicate that the need for this withdrawal underscores the challenges facing Iranian military support in Syria. As highlighted by Iranian analyst Mehdi Rahmati, “Iran is starting to evacuate its forces and military personnel because we cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight.” This situation has emerged as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with Iranian military presence proving increasingly tenuous amidst greater opposition activity.
The article discusses Iran’s recent decision to withdraw military assets from Syria, a significant development considering Iran’s historical role as a vital ally for Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The context of the Syrian Civil War is essential; as rebel forces regain momentum, the ability of Assad’s military to sustain support from foreign allies has been called into question. The Iranian Quds Force has been instrumental in supporting Assad, yet internal conflicts within Syria’s military have impeded their efficacy, leading to this critical evacuation.
In summary, the evacuation of Iranian military personnel from Syria marks a notable shift in the dynamics of the Syrian Civil War. As pressure from rebel forces mounts, Iran is signaling its challenges in maintaining its influence and support for President Assad. This development raises questions about the future of Iranian involvement in the region and underscores the vulnerabilities faced by allied regimes in the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
