The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Iran and Hezbollah continue their “Shi’aism” proselytising operations in west Euphrates region and southern Syria, bringing the number of volunteers to nearly 9,000

Iranian forces and loyal militias, like the Lebanese Hezbollah, are continuing  proselytising (conversion to Shiite) and recruitment operations in their favour in southern Syria and the western banks of the Euphrates River by offering financial incentives and continuous usage of religion and sectarianism.

In Daraa province, the Iranians and Hezbollah continue recruiting men and young people through their spiritual proxies, such as “Saraya al-Areen” of Brigade 313 in north of Daraa, and Shiite centers in Sayda, Da’el and Izraa. It is noteworthy that the recent recruits undergo training courses in Al-Lajat area, east Daraa.

While in Al-Quneitra, near the border with the Occupied Golan, the Lebanese Hezbollah continues entrenching their presence by attracting young people who have avoided and escaped the  reserve and mandatory military service and fled regime security pursuit. Those young people hurry to join the ranks of Iranian-backed militias because of the deteriorating living conditions and lack of job opportunities. Conversions to Shiite and recruitment operations in Al-Quneitra province are concentrated in Al-Baath city and Khan Arnabah.

Recruitment operations are also continuing in west Euphrates region, exactly in a fully Iranian-controlled area, stretching from Al-Mayadin to Al-Bokamal in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.

The Syrian Observatory has documented that the number of volunteers in southern Syria rose to more than 5,350. Meanwhile, the number of recent recruits in the ranks of Iranian forces and loyal militias in the west Euphrates region rose to nearly 3,600 Syrian young people and men.

Iranian militias intentionally intensify these recruitment operations, at a time when the Russian side being preoccupied with military operations and recent agreements with Turkey regarding Northern Syria.