Protests in Syria’s coastal regions allegedly incited by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah have raised concerns, with military and local sources confirming clashes involving Iranian proxies. The death of a key militia leader linked to Hezbollah may lead to restored calm, but Iranian influence continues to pose challenges to Syria’s stability. Observers caution that these events reflect Iran’s attempts to maintain its foothold amid shifting political dynamics in Syria.
Protests erupted last week in Syria’s coastal cities, reportedly fueled by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah through loyalists of the former Assad administration. Colonel Riyad al-Asaad, the founder of the Free Syrian Army, cited intelligence suggesting that Hezbollah is dispatching agents to instigate disturbances, thereby endangering the country’s delicate stability. The protests reportedly stemmed from a resurfaced video depicting an assault on an Alawite shrine in Aleppo but are analyzed as part of a more organized effort involving Iranian proxies.
Reports indicate that Hezbollah has initiated actions in Syria, mobilizing operatives from Lebanon to reignite unrest and reclaim its foothold in strategic areas. In the area of Talkalakh, close to the Lebanese border, Hezbollah-linked forces have clashed violently with local opposition factions. The conflict intensified following the death of Shuja al-Ali, a key pro-regime militia commander associated with Hezbollah, which Colonel al-Asaad believes may ultimately lead to stability in Homs and its vicinity.
Initially calm, the demonstrations transitioned into violent encounters after regime aligned forces allegedly opened fire on civilians. Witnesses assert that remnants of the Assad regime, supported by Iran, have launched attacks against Syrian military units affiliated with the new leadership. This turmoil has led to heightened security measures in regions like Talkalakh and Tartus, where Hezbollah operatives are purportedly being targeted.
Military sources report progress in quelling the unrest with the apprehension of senior Assad loyalists and the elimination of influential figures such as Shuja al-Ali. Moreover, various groups previously aligned with Assad have begun to publicly support the new administration. The convergence of protests with recent declarations by Iranian officials has prompted skepticism regarding Iran’s intentions to instigate chaos during Syria’s transitional phase.
This escalating situation emerges as Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei spoke of a forthcoming “strong and honorable group” in Syria, asserting that determined Syrian youth will rise against those sowing insecurity. Along similar lines, former commander of the IRGC Mohsen Rezaee expressed views on social media emphasizing the resilience of the Syrian populace.
The Arab League condemned the Iranian rhetoric concerning Syria, accusing Iran of perpetuating discord among Syrians in light of Assad’s weakening authority. Their statement urged Tehran to cease its provocative actions that threaten further destabilization in Syria. Consequently, as long as Iran’s clerical regime remains intact, lasting peace in the region continues to be a significant challenge.
The recent protests in Syria reflect the ongoing turbulence in the region, exacerbated by the exertion of influence by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah. These demonstrations signify a potential resurgence of unrest linked to the historical conflicts arising from the Syrian civil war and the Assad regime’s previous oppressive strategies. Analysts point towards these events as strategically geared towards gauging the political landscape in post-Assad Syria and assessing Iran’s declining control as global dynamics shift. The growing tensions highlight the broader implications of external interference in a nation struggling to establish equilibrium in the aftermath of a prolonged conflict.
In summary, the protests in Syria’s coastal cities are reportedly orchestrated by the Iranian regime and Hezbollah, aiming to destabilize the newly emerging political structure following Assad’s regime. The shift from peaceful demonstrations to violent confrontations indicates a severe struggle for authority, exacerbated by Iranian interference. While some military advancements have been made to restore order, the overarching influence of Iran stems as a barrier to achieving sustained peace and stability in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
