After having failed to impose military influence | Iran continues “Shi’aism” proselytising operations in SDF-held areas
Iranian-backed militias’ affiliates recruit young and adult men in Deir Ezzor with the help of the head of al-Bakara tribe
Deir Ezzor province: Although “Shi’aism” proselytising operations (conversion to Shiite) started by individuals affiliated with the Iranian-backed militias in SDF-held areas in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor in 2018 with efforts and full support by “Nawwaf al-Bashir”, the head of al-Bakara tribe and the leader of the Iranian-backed brigade of al-Baqir, these operations have noticeably escalated in the recent time, especially in the villages of Zagheer Jazera, al-Sa’wah, Sfirah Tahtani and Muhaymidah.
The Iranian-backed militias’ affiliates in SDF-held areas have attracted young and adult men by offering financial incentives, exploiting the people’s dire living conditions, as well as providing various prerogatives, including security cards which facilitate their passing through regime checkpoints from SDF-held areas.
According to SOHR sources, Iran’s efforts come as apart of its attempts to strengthen its presence in the region, after having failed to dominate the region militarily.
It is worth noting that the “formerly Jabhat al-Nusra” and ISIS had destroyed the “hosayniyas”, plural of “hosayniya” a congregation hall for Twelver Shia Muslim commemoration ceremonies, for their proxy militiamen, where the Shiite Azan was used and Shiite ritual was practiced, in Zagheer Jazera, al-Sa’wah and Hatla during their control of the region, as these “hosayniyas” had been established, by Iranian support, in 2004.