Hidden moves: Iraqi fighters enter Syria as Aleppo changes hands
Iran-backed fighters from Iraq cross into Syria after rebels take control of Aleppo. While **Bashar al-Assad** lost grip on the strategic city Hezbollah stays away due to recent conflicts
In a quick-moving turn of events hundreds of Iran-backed Iraqi fighters entered Syria on Dec-2nd to support Bashar al-Assadʼs government: this comes after rebels seized control of Aleppo just last week
The Iraqi groups (mostly from Badr and Nujabaa) used hidden dirt roads to avoid detection while crossing the border. These pro-government forces aim to help regain control of whats been Syrias most important northern city since the civil war started about 13 years ago
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The situation got more complex as Hezbollah – usually Assads strongest ally – isnt joining the fight right now. They pulled their forces from Syria in mid-October due to their own fight with Israel which ended in a cease-fire last week
Russian planes and Syrian forces are hitting rebel positions near Aleppo with air-strikes. The attacks also hit living areas killing seven people in Idlib (including five kids). Meanwhile Kurdish forces are moving out of some city areas as part of a deal with rebel groups
- Turkey-backed Syrian National Army
- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
- Kurdish YPG militia
- Iran-backed Iraqi groups
The rebels quick victory in Aleppo – which government forces had controlled since 16ʼ – shows how the war in Gaza changed things in Syria. Its the biggest win for anti-Assad groups in years‚ and might push him to rely more on Iranʼs help
