The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Hectic movements | Coalition forces redeploy their troops in two bases in Al-Raqqah, while Iranian-backed militias bring in military reinforcements to vicinity of Al-Raqqah

Reliable sources have reported that in late April, the US-led International Coalition forces redeployed their troops in two bases in Al-Raqqah province, where International Coalition forces brought in military supplies and equipment and nine Bradley fighting vehicles and dozens of soldiers to the position of the 17th Division, north of Al-Raqqah in a 4-kilometre zone. The International Coalition has also transported military supplies, vehicles and troops to Al-Tabqah military airport west of Al-Raqqah in a 50-kilometre zone via cargo aircraft.

In response to this development, Reliable sources have informed SOHR that Iranian-backed militias had set up a military post not far from Al-Tabqa airport, west of Al-Raqqah, 50 km from its headquarters at sugar factory in Maskanah area, east of Aleppo.

SOHR sources confirmed that the military reinforcements comprised 11 4×4 Military Vehicles, carrying the flags of Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s “Fatimyioun and Zinabiyoun” militias. In addition, Iranian-backed militias have also transported dozens of their militiamen.

It is worth noting that US forces withdrew from Al-Tabqa airport and the position of 17th Division in Al-Raqqah province two years ago, following former US President Donald Trump’s announcement to reduce the number of US troops in Syria.

On April 24, Iranian-backed militias brought a convoy of dozens of trucks from Iraq into areas under their control in western Euphrates.

According to Syrian Observatory sources, the number of trucks, which were loaded with weapons and ammunitions, including Iranian-made medium-range missiles and logistical supplies, approximated 34 covered trucks. These trucks headed towards Deir Ezzor military airport and elsewhere in Al-Mazare’ area in Al-Mayadeen countryside, east of Deir Ezzor.

This came in light of escalating Iranian activity in Syrian territory as the Russians are preoccupied with their war on Ukraine.