Iran Reduces Military Presence in Syria Following Series of Attacks Blamed on Israel

According to a report by the AFP news agency, Iran is reportedly reducing its military presence in Syria after a series of attacks that were attributed to Israel. The source close to Hezbollah revealed that Iran has been supporting the Syrian government for over a decade. However, recent assassinations targeting senior Iranian military officials have prompted Iran to shift its presence in Syria.

The withdrawal began after a strike on Damascus on January 21, which resulted in the death of five advisors to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including the commander of the Al-Quds Force. Iran blames Israel for this operation. Subsequent strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, such as the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, have further influenced Iran’s military positioning. In response to the consulate attack, Iran launched an unprecedented strike on Israel on April 14. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Iranian troops have vacated southern Syria and Damascus, with Lebanese and Iraqi fighters taking their place. Despite the withdrawal, up to 3,000 Iranian troops remain in Syria, supported by militants from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan.