The Iranian proxies, Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun, formed a key part of Iran’s Axis of Resistance during the Syrian civil war, composed of Afghan and Pakistani fighters. Their role was pivotal in combating Islamic State forces. However, a recent offensive by anti-Assad rebels led to a significant abandonment of positions by these groups, leaving their fate uncertain. Experts believe that Iran will continue to rely on these militias despite their challenges, as they are critical to Iran’s regional influence.
Iranian proxies in Syria, namely the Fatemiyoun Brigade and the Zainebiyoun Brigade, were integral components of Iran’s Axis of Resistance, formed to bolster the Assad regime amidst the Syrian civil war. Comprised predominantly of Afghan and Pakistani Shiite fighters, these groups played crucial roles in reclaiming territories from the Islamic State in significant battles across Syria. However, with the recent advances of anti-Assad rebels, many of these fighters abandoned their positions, leaving behind empty bases and uncertainty regarding their current location. Experts suggest that despite their retreat, Iran is unlikely to disband these forces, as they remain essential to its regional strategy amid the challenges facing other allies such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
The origins of the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades date back to the early years of the Syrian conflict, during which the rise of the Sunni Islamic State group posed a threat to the Shiite-dominated Assad regime. Initially created as a response to protect Shiite shrines, these groups evolved under the command of Iranian military advisors and became vital to the defense of the regime. The IRGC’s involvement in their establishment, including recruitment strategies that incentivized Afghan and Pakistani fighters, has been widely documented. By 2015, the Fatemiyoun was reported to have grown significantly in numbers, reinforcing its position on the battlefield regarding the defense of Damascus and other strategic locations.
As the civil war progressed, the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun assets were deployed widely across Syria. Nonetheless, with the shifting dynamics of the conflict and the diminishing presence of international support for Assad, these forces faced operational challenges. Their significant losses were evident, and while some fighters pledged loyalty to the regime, the reality of abandonment amidst an anti-government offensive became apparent. Reports highlighted the quick exodus from established bases, illustrating the precarious state of Iranian influence in the region.
Recent assessments reveal that the whereabouts of these proxies remain largely ambiguous following their retreat. Some indications suggest that remnants may have sought refuge in nearby regions, including Iraq and Lebanon, while others could still be present in Syria, awaiting potential evacuation. The lack of communication from Iranian officials regarding the fate of these troops leaves their future uncertain as the overall landscape of the Syrian conflict continues to evolve.
The Fatemiyoun Brigade and Zainebiyoun Brigade formed part of Iran’s strategic initiative to bolster the Assad regime during the Syrian civil war, which erupted amid the rise of the Islamic State group. Comprised of Afghan and Pakistani Shiite fighters, these groups filled critical gaps in the military landscape, countering Sunni threats targeting Shiite heritage sites and contributing to significant operations against IS. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a pivotal role in recruiting and training these militias, employing both coercive and incentivizing measures to build a loyal fighting force. Their evolution and strategies reflected Iran’s broader objectives of maintaining influence in the region, especially in the face of evolving challenges posed by anti-Assad factions. As the Syrian civil war entered its later stages, the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun became more entrenched in various combat operations, reflecting their significance as regional proxies. Despite losses and the diminishing military presence of the Assad regime, these forces were expected to play a continued role in the conflict. However, the recent shifts in military power dynamics have led to a rapid change in their viability and operational capabilities, raising questions about their future and the strategies that Iran may employ moving forward.
The situation surrounding Iranian proxies in Syria has undergone a precarious transformation amid recent military developments. With the retreat of the Fatemiyoun and Zainebiyoun brigades from contested positions, Iran’s reliance on these groups is increasingly questioned, considering their role in reinforcing the Assad regime. The uncertainties of their current status and future prospects reflect broader geopolitical tensions in the region as Iran navigates challenges emanating from its shifting alliances and operational necessities. The capacity of these proxies to adapt and fulfill their intended purposes remains to be seen, as both Iran and regional actors reassess their strategic frameworks in light of new realities.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
