The New York Times reports that Iran has begun withdrawing its troops from Syria as rebel advances threaten to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Syrian rebels took control of the central city of Hama after government forces withdrew on Thursday, days after rebels took control of large parts of Syria’s second city, Aleppo. By Friday, rebels had taken control of the eastern city of Deir Ezzor and had reached the outskirts of Homs, the country’s third largest city.
Amid the advance, the evacuation of commanders and personnel from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force began, according to Iranian officials and regional commanders cited in the Times report. Diplomatic staff working at the Iranian embassy in Damascus have also reportedly been evacuated.
Iranian analyst Mehdi Rahmati responded to the report, saying, “If the Syrian army itself does not want to fight, we cannot fight as an advisory and support force, so Iran has begun to evacuate its troops and military personnel.” spoke. “Iran recognizes that it cannot control the situation in Syria through any military operation, and this option is off the table.”
Iran has been a close ally of Assad’s regime throughout Syria’s 13-year civil war, which has escalated dramatically in recent days due to continued attacks by rebel forces. The government of Russian President Vladimir Putin also has close ties with President Assad.
Iranians who left the war-torn country on Friday sought refuge in Lebanon and Iraq, which border Syria, while others reportedly flew straight to Tehran.
In a report published by Reuters on Friday, unnamed Iranian officials said Tehran is sending more military equipment and is “increasing the number of Syrian military advisers and sending troops to support Assad.” We are taking all necessary measures to achieve this.”
Newsweek requested comment from Iran’s Foreign Ministry via email Friday night.
The rapid advance of the rebels has left the Assad regime in a weakened position and shaken up a region of the world already at risk due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and tensions between Israel and Iran.
If Iranian forces withdraw from Syria, the regime could be brought to the brink of defeat and increasingly look to Russia for relief. But experts have expressed doubts about Russia’s ability and willingness to commit the resources needed to save Assad as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
Brian Carter, Middle East portfolio manager for the American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Project, recently told Newsweek: “Given Russia’s involvement in Ukraine, there is little Russia can offer Syria; “It is unlikely to decisively change the course of the Syrian opposition’s advance.”
He added: “Syria’s best bet may be Iran and its network of armed militias in Syria and the region.”
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Updated 12/06/24, 10:35 PM: This article has been updated with additional information and background.
