Iran has initiated the evacuation of its military commanders and personnel from Syria in response to intensified rebel offensives, indicating challenges in supporting President Assad’s regime. This withdrawal includes various Iranian military officials and their families, with operations facilitated by both air and land routes to Iraq and Lebanon.
Iran has commenced the evacuation of its military officials and personnel from Syria amidst escalating rebel offensives, as reported by regional and Iranian officials. The operations, characterized as an indicator of Iran’s waning capability to sustain the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, involved the withdrawal of notable commanders from the Quds Forces, the external faction of the Revolutionary Guards Corps. This evacuation extends to diplomatic staff, their families, and some Iranian civilians, transitioning to safe havens in neighboring Iraq and Lebanon. This decision came after an order was established at the Iranian Embassy in Damascus and various Revolutionary Guards bases, with personnel departing by air and land to several locations including Tehran and the Syrian port of Latakia. An Iranian analyst highlighted the dilemma facing Iranian forces: “We cannot fight as an advisory and support force if Syria’s army itself does not want to fight.”
The context surrounding the evacuation of Iranian military officials from Syria stems from the increasing pressures faced by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime amidst a renewed rebel offensive. Iran has been a staunch supporter of Assad, providing crucial military and advisory support throughout the ongoing conflict. However, recent developments indicate that Iranian forces are reassessing their involvement as the Syrian Army struggles with its own internal issues, necessitating a strategic withdrawal of personnel.
In summary, Iran’s decision to evacuate military personnel from Syria signals a significant shift in its approach, reflective of the challenges faced by the Assad regime. As rebel forces gain ground, the effectiveness of Iranian support is questioned, leading to a reassessment of their role in the conflict. With key commanders and diplomatic staff being withdrawn, this development may reshape the regional dynamics and Iran’s influence in Syria.
Original Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
