Iranian-backed militias | Unprecedented movements by “Liwa Fatemiyoun” throughout Syria
The Iranian-backed Afghani militia of “Liwa Fatemiyoun” continues its movements throughout Syria, which helped it to be the second most influential Iranian-backed power in Syria, after the Lebanese Hezbollah whose activities and role in Syria are subsiding. “Liwa Fatemiyoun” has stepped up its activities, including the recruitment Syrians and establishment of headquarters and checkpoints in several provinces. After Aleppo, Damascus, Rif Dimashq, Homs, Al-Qamishli, Al-Hasakah, Deir Ezzor and south Syria region, “Liwa Fatemiyoun” has deployed many checkpoints and established posts in the surrounding areas of T4 military airbase and the area of phosphate fields in Al-Farqalas area in Homs desert.
SOHR sources reported earlier this morning that tThe Syrian regime-held areas in both the cities of al-Hasaka and al-Qamishli were witnessing an ongoing Russian-Iranian conflict as part of the cold war between the two sides in various Syrian regions, to wrest absolute control of the territory. SOHR sources reported that recruitment operations of young and adult men by pro-Iranian militias, led by “Liwa Fatemiyoun”, continued in full swing in al-Qamishli and al-Hasaka.
According to SOHR sources, the number of recruits since mid-January to date has reached 710, 315 of whom are ex-NDF fighters and commanders, while 395 are civilians and fighters of several tribes, including Al-Ubayd, Yassar, Hareeth, Bani Sab’a and Al-Sharayeen. In order to attract more people, “Liwa Fatemiyoun” offers financial incentives and relatively high monthly salaries in light of the poor living conditions. On the other hand, the new recruits undergo training in camps in Tartab Brigade in southern Al-Qamishli.
Moreover, an Iranian person called “Haj Ali” and a former commander of the “National Defence Forces” (NDF) known by his initials as “M.W.” supervise the recruitment operations in the region. It is worth noting that a large number of NDF fighters has joined “Liwa Fatemiyoun”.
Meanwhile, Russia is trying to compete with Iranians for influence in the region by attracting tribesmen to counter Iranian influence and weaken SDF.