A powerful Iraqi faction aligned with Iran has pledged support to Syrian President Assad amid a significant insurgent offensive that seized parts of Aleppo. The offensive, coordinated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, marks a major territorial shift in Syria’s civil war. Regional actors are engaging in heightened diplomacy as military actions unfold, reflecting the complex interactions between various factions and their backers.
An influential Iraqi faction linked to the Iran-led Axis of Resistance has pledged to assist Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s troops as they confront a significant insurgent offensive that has taken control of parts of Syria’s second-largest city. The assault, termed “Deterrence of Aggression” by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and its allies, commenced on Wednesday, resulting in the capture of Aleppo and ongoing advances toward Hama. This escalation represents a substantial change in territorial dynamics within Syria’s prolonged civil war, coinciding with tensions related to a broader conflict involving Israel and its adversaries in the region.
Amidst the upheaval, the Nujaba Movement has stated its readiness to mobilize in support of the Syrian regime. Spokesperson Hussein al-Musawi articulated a unified stance within the Axis of Resistance against perceived Western and Israeli aggression, emphasizing the insurgents’ actions as detrimental to regional stability and a strategy to distract from Israeli setbacks. The Iraqi militias, forming part of a coalition that has previously engaged with insurgents like ISIS and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, are now poised to engage in defense of Iraq’s security, pledging to counter any threats arising from the recent unrest in Syria.
As violence escalates in Aleppo, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted strikes aimed at Hezbollah positions along the Syrian-Lebanese border, although it remains uncertain if these operations relate directly to the insurgency’s actions. Regional powers, including Iranian and Turkish officials, have intensified their diplomatic efforts in response to the situation, even as the U.S. has remained largely silent amid the holiday period. Furthermore, the Syrian Democratic Forces, backed by the U.S., have indicated that they may intervene if Turkish influences precipitate further conflict. This complex interplay of factors prompts a critical examination of the ongoing wars in the region, as each actor adjusts their strategies in response to shifting ground realities and alliances.
The Syrian civil war, ongoing since 2011, has witnessed numerous factions vying for control, often backed by regional and international allies. The Iran-led Axis of Resistance, which includes Iraqi militias, aims to bolster Syria’s Assad regime against various insurgent groups including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. As the offensive in Aleppo unfolds, the conflict illustrates the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, notably the tensions between Iranian-backed forces and U.S. and Israeli interests in the region. Furthermore, the involvement of Turkey and Kurdish-led groups highlights the multitude of actors in what remains a highly fragmented and violent civil conflict.
The recent escalation of violence in Syria sees a convergence of various conflicts, notably the ongoing hostilities linked to the Iran-led Axis of Resistance and intraregional tensions involving U.S. and Israeli forces. Iraqi militias’ commitment to support Assad underscores the complex alliances formed in reaction to insurgency advances. This situation is compounded by sensitive dynamics surrounding Turkish involvement and potential clashes with U.S.-backed entities. As this multi-faceted conflict continues to evolve, it remains imperative to monitor the impacts on regional stability.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
