AMMAN/BEIRUT. Hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters crossed into Syria this week to support the government’s battle against rebels who captured Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, but Lebanon’s Hezbollah has chosen to remain on the sidelines for now, sources revealed.
According to Iraqi security sources, more than 300 fighters from the Badr and Nujabaa groups entered Syria late Sunday, utilizing an unmarked dirt road to bypass official checkpoints. “These are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north,” a senior Syrian military source confirmed, adding that the fighters are primarily tasked with defending Shi’ite shrines in the region.
Iran has expressed its full support for Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad. Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Tehran “will provide any support needed” to counter rebel advances, emphasizing the role of “resistance groups” in aiding Assad’s government.
Despite its long-standing role as a key ally in Syria, Hezbollah has refrained from deploying additional fighters. Sources close to the group cited the exhaustion of its forces following the recent conflict with Israel, which culminated in a ceasefire last week.
“We are closely monitoring the aggression of criminal groups on the Syrian people,” a spokesperson for the Iran-aligned Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah said, though they added no decision had been made to send fighters.
Hezbollah reportedly withdrew senior officers responsible for Aleppo operations and redirected them to the Israeli front during last month’s conflict. Mid-October also saw a broader pullback of its forces from Syria as tensions escalated in Lebanon.
The capture of Aleppo marks the most significant victory for anti-Assad rebels in years. Hadi al-Bahra, leader of Syria’s main opposition group, attributed the rapid takeover to Hezbollah’s absence and the distraction of other Iran-backed groups by the Gaza conflict.
“Preparations for this offensive had been in place since last year, but were delayed due to the war in Gaza,” al-Bahra told Reuters.
The offensive has further destabilized Syria’s northwest, home to displaced Syrians and a hotbed of competing interests among global powers. Rebel forces in the region include Turkey-backed groups and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate.
The rebel advance could complicate ongoing efforts by Arab countries and the United States to loosen Assad’s reliance on Tehran. Talks of lifting sanctions in exchange for Assad reducing Iranian ties may falter if Iran’s military support becomes even more indispensable.
Syria and Russian forces have responded with airstrikes on rebel-held areas. The White Helmets, a civilian rescue group, reported deadly strikes on residential areas and displacement camps, with at least seven killed, including five children, in Idlib province.
Rebel shelling of Hama city claimed three lives, while the government reported killing hundreds of rebels—figures Reuters could not independently verify.
As the situation escalates, regional players are closely watching. Turkey has denied involvement in the rebel offensive, though it reportedly supports Syrian opposition forces advancing in northern regions. Israel, meanwhile, reiterated its commitment to preventing Iranian arms transfers to Hezbollah through Syria.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
