Decreased military presence of Russian-backed formations | Iran-backed “Fourth Division” expands power in Syrian Desert

SOHR activists monitored the deployment of the Iran-backed “Fourth Division” led by “Maher Al-Assad” the brother of the head of the regime, in different areas of the Syrian Desert replacing Russian-backed military forces such as the “25th Special Operations Division” and “Luwaa Al-Quds”, where the “Fourth Division” deployed in Deir Ezzor Desert and Palmyra Desert eastern of Homs after bringing military reinforcements comprising military machineries and members and stationed in several military checkpoints in areas that also witness expansion by ISIS cells, amid repeated campaigns and airstrikes and also attacks by ISIS cells that target civilians and checkpoints of the regime.

Moreover, the Fourth Division also deployed in the 55-kilometre de-confliction zone in a military checkpoint in Jolaigham area, aiming to decrease the presence of Russian-backed military formations at the junction of borders between Syria, Iraq and Jordan, where Al-Tanf Base of the “International Coalition” is located.

According to reliable SOHR sources the 4th Division stationed at most of the passages and roads used for the entry and exit of goods, livestock, and other materials to and from the 55-kilometre de-confliction zone, and it is confiscating the trucks and their cargo.