Iranian military in Syria | Proxy militias bring in reinforcement to recently-established base in rural Aleppo, along with ongoing recruitment operations

Reliable sources in the eastern countryside of Aleppo have informed SOHR that recruitment operations are still underway by Iranian-backed militias, particularly the Afghani militia of Liwa Fatemiyoun, as they offer financial incentives to attract young and adult men, exploiting the dire living conditions.

 

According to SOHR sources, the number of people recruited by Iranian-backed militias in Aleppo countryside since early February has risen to 805. The recruitment operations are concentrated in the areas of Maskanah, al-Sfirah, Deir Hafer, and other areas in towns and villages of eastern Aleppo through Iran’s spiritual proxies and bureaus that offer financial incentives.

 

On the other hand, SOHR sources say that the Iranian-backed militias brought in military reinforcement and logistical supplies to the recently-established base on the hill of Habbouba village, between Al-Khafsah and Maskanah in eastern Aleppo, on the bank of the Euphrates river, as SDF forces are stationed on the river’s opposite bank.

 

This development coincides with the exploitation of the issue of the Iranian presence in Syria by some to promote baseless news, taking advantage of the media focus on the Iranian presence in Syria, as we have monitored in many news and reports which have been all baseless. Since SOHR pointed out to the escalating role of the “Fatimiyoun Brigade” militia, as it has become Iran’s second most powerful force in Syria after the Lebanese Hezbollah, many media outlets, pages and websites have promoted and circulated false news about the “Liwaa Fatimiyoun”.

 

On April 16, SOHR sources reported that Russian and regime forces set up a joint military post on the western bank of the Euphrates region near Khan Al-Sha’r in western Maskanah which is under the control of regime forces in the eastern countryside of Aleppo.

 

The recently-established post was opposite the SDF positions on the river’s eastern bank, and it contained heavy gears, tens of soldiers and command centre provided with communication military devices.

 

This development came as a part of efforts to put an end to the Iranian military expansion in the eastern countryside of Aleppo and their imposition of influence over the area’s dignitaries and tribal elders.