The Iraqi militia Nujaba Movement has pledged support for Syrian government forces amid a major insurgent offensive in Aleppo. The assault, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and others, signifies a major shift in the Syrian civil war. Tensions escalate as Iranian and regional powers respond, with diplomatic efforts being pursued despite ongoing violence.
A powerful Iraqi militia faction aligned with Iran, fighting under the banner of the Axis of Resistance, has pledged support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military forces as they confront a significant insurgent offensive. The offensive, termed differently as “Deterrence of Aggression” and “Dawn of Freedom,” was initiated by Islamist fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other opposing factions, leading to significant territorial gains including the capture of parts of Aleppo. This shift represents the most notable change in territorial control within Syria’s prolonged civil conflict in recent years.
This surge occurs alongside escalating tensions in the region, particularly between Israel and Iran-supported forces since Hamas’s surprise assault on Israel last October. The Nujaba Movement, experienced from previous operations in Syria, has expressed readiness to intervene in support of Assad. Nujaba spokesperson Hussein al-Musawi criticized the rebellion, alleging U.S. and Israeli motivations of destabilizing the region and promoting divisions within the Iran-aligned coalition. He stated, “Our position was and still is unified in the unity of the arenas and the Axis of Resistance in standing against any attack that could be directed at the region.”
In Iraq, the entities within the Axis of Resistance, including various militias that have previously fought insurgents like ISIS, are gearing up to assist Syria. Musawi declared, “We will be the best supporter and helper of the brotherly Syrian people against these criminal gangs that want to tamper with the security and stability of the peoples.” The situation has prompted Iranian, Russian, and Turkish diplomatic activities, while the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces remain alert for any escalations, accusing Turkey of orchestrating the insurgent offensive. Farhad Shami, spokesperson for the SDF, noted, “The developments in northwestern Syria are sensitive, and we directly care about them and closely monitor them.”
In the broader context, this violence comes just days after a reported ceasefire between the IDF and Hezbollah, highlighting the intricate web of conflicts in the region. Multiple international actors, including the U.S. and Russian officials, are monitoring the developing situation as the conflict continues to shape geopolitical dynamics, underscoring the importance of diplomacy in quelling hostilities within this critical area of the Middle East.
The conflict in Syria has been ongoing since 2011, evolving into a multifaceted civil war involving numerous factions and external powers. The Iranian-aligned militias in Iraq, such as the Nujaba Movement, have historically supported Assad’s regime, viewing the conflict through the lens of broader regional confrontations against Israel and U.S. influence. Significant recent offensives have underscored a shift in territorial control, particularly marked by the insurgent gains in Aleppo, raising concerns about the stability in northern Syria and its implications for regional security including the interests of the U.S., Turkey, and Kurdish forces.
The recent escalation in Syria, marked by significant rebel advances, highlights the complexities of the ongoing civil war and the regional geopolitical struggle involving Iran, Turkey, and Israel. The commitment by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq to support Assad signifies a consolidation of pro-Iranian forces, which may impact future territorial dynamics. Diplomatic efforts are being actively pursued amidst the chaos, signifying the critical nature of resolving the entrenched conflicts that plague the region and the necessity of addressing the underlying tensions that fuel these hostilities.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
