The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

To convert to “Shi’ism” | Pro-Iranian local militia sends nearly 30 militiamen from al-Mayadeen to al-Sayyida Zeinab area, south of Damascus

Deir ez-Zor governorate – Syrian Observatory for Human Rights:

As Iran continues strengthening its presence in Syrian territory, through the expansion of its militias throughout the Syrian regions, using “Shi’aism” proselytising operations and offering financial incentives, SOHR sources say that the pro-Iranian militia “al-Sayyida Zeinab” sent 28 members of its local affiliates to the area of al-Sayyida in rural southern Damascus, mostly residents of Al-Mayadeen area, who recently joined this militia.

According to Syrian Observatory sources, the militiamen were transferred to al-Sayyida Zeinab area with the leader of the “Sayyida Zeinab” militia, Muayyad al-Dwehi, in order to undergo ideological and religious courses and convert to the”Shi’ism.”

Two days ago, SOHR sources reported a large-scale recruitment campaign of Syrians by the “Fatimiyoun Brigade” militia in eastern countryside of Aleppo, as the militia became the second powerful force of Iran in Syria after the Lebanese Hezbollah.

Although “Shi’ism” proselytising operations by the Iranians are not new to the cities, towns and villages of eastern Aleppo countryside, where it began nearly four years ago, through proxy militias of Iranians of Syrian nationalities, led by the militia “Liwa’a al-Baqir”, taking advantage of the disastrous living conditions of civilians and extreme poverty there, as is the case in most areas in Syria. However, “Fatimiyoun Brigade” established recruitment centres and offered financial incentives to young men and men in return for converting to “Shi’ism” and joining the Iranian militias.

Since the beginning of February, “Fatimiyoun Brigade” recruited more than 360 people so far from Mascana, Al-Safira, Deir Hafer and other areas east of Aleppo.