The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Ongoing Russian-Iranian conflict in Daraa | Killings and security chaos significantly increase, and Syrian regime is effectively marginalized

The Russian-Iranian conflict continues to escalate throughout southern Syria, particularly in Daraa province. Russia continues its attempt to strengthen the influence of its “Fifth Corps”, seeking to turn its back on the Iranians and gain absolute control over Daraa.

 

Iran, in turn, continues recruiting more people as “Shi’aism” proselytising operations are still underway through the offering of financial incentives and continuous usage of religion and sectarianism.

 

According to SOHR statistics, the number of volunteers in southern Syria has reached over 7,900, while the Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad, the brother of the head of the Syrian regime, known for its loyalty to Iran, is spearheading the conflict with the Fifth Corps which is established by Russia. The Syrian regime, however, is effectively marginalized and its presence is merely symbolic. The stand-off and confrontations encompass disputes over the areas of influence and rising tensions throughout Daraa, in addition to assassinations and increasing attacks, amidst security chaos in the province. The most recent of attacks took place yesterday, when “Adham Al-Karad” was killed with four people, two of whom were former opposition leaders in Daraa, after unknown gunmen attacked the car they were traveling in, near Tabnah junction in Izraa city in northern Daraa.

 

It is worth noting that “Adham Al-Karad” is a prominent former opposition commander who struck a reconciliation deal with the regime forces after they took control of Daraa. “Al-Karad” is reputed to have said “Down with Moscow, but Daraa will never fall”.

 

Since the beginning of the security chaos in Daraa in early June 2019, Syrian Observatory activists have documented more than 714 attacks and assassination attempts by gunfire and detonations of IEDs, motorcycle-bombs and car-bombs. These attacks and assassinations claimed the lives of 474 persons, categorised as follows:

 

  • 130 civilians, including 12 women and 15 children

 

  • 211 regime soldiers, loyalists and collaborators with regime security services

 

  • 89 fighters of factions that struck “reconciliation and settlements” deals with the regime and became in the ranks of regime’s security branches, including former commanders

 

  • 23 Syrian militiamen affiliated to the Lebanese Hezbollah and Iranian forces

 

  • 22 members of the so-called 5th Corps which was established by Russia.