According to AFP news agency’s source close to Hezbollah, Iran has been supporting Syrian government forces for over a decade. However, a string of assassinations targeting senior Iranian military officials has prompted Iran to shift its presence in Syria.
The decision to reduce military presence 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.
Iran has reportedly scaled back its military presence in Syria following these attacks. The source indicated that Iran has pulled its military from southern Syria, including the provinces of Quneitra and Daraa near the Golan Heights. Despite the withdrawal from these areas, Iranians still maintain a presence in other parts of Syria. The withdrawal is believed to be a response to Israel’s attacks on Iranian targets and militants from Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan who are supporting them remain in Syria up to 3000 troops strong.