Iran’s military bases in Syria are left abandoned after a chaotic withdrawal, revealing a rapid decline of their influence. Once a crucial ally of Bashar al-Assad, Iran’s forces, including Afghan militia, fled with little notice, leaving behind remnants of their presence. Local sentiments reflect a strong disdain for Iranian military control, as Syria’s new rulers prioritize a break from Iranian association.
Abandoned Iranian military bases in Syria now lie in disarray, revealing the chaos following an expedited withdrawal. Items left behind, such as moldy food, military uniforms, and firearms, illustrate a sudden exit from a strategic presence spanning ten years. Panic evidently gripped the forces stationed here, who departed with minimal notice as Iran’s influence in the region faltered.
Iran, crucial to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, actively engaged in Syria for over a decade. By providing military advisers, foreign militias, and substantial investments, Iran sought to create a buffer zone against Israel. However, the military infrastructure established by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unraveled swiftly, leaving remnants that narrate a story of retreat.
Situated in Khan Shaykhun, Idlib province, abandoned bases such as the Position of Martyr Zahedi are easy to overlook yet reveal the depth of Iran’s involvement. A watchtower still adorned with the Iranian flag symbolizes these strategic outposts. Receipts discovered here indicate that daily life persisted until the last possible moment, reinforcing the abruptness of their abandonment.
New occupants, armed Uyghur fighters from Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham, now claim the grounds. Their arrival, marked by military vehicles, emphasizes the cleared state once occupied by Iranian forces. Witnesses confirm, “Iranians were here. They all fled,” illustrating the swift turnover of control and the remnants retained, including perishable goods and military supplies.
The concrete layout includes miles of tunnels and empty bunk beds, serving as stark reminders of a once-bustling military stronghold. Shreds of highly sensitive documents left behind betray the personal details of fighters, many of whom were Afghan, indicating Iran’s reliance on foreign recruits to sustain its military ambitions in Syria.
Iran justified its military presence by claiming to combat extremist groups and safeguard Shia interests. Nevertheless, the hastiness of their retreat exposed unpreparedness, as soldiers were ordered to evacuate with mere backpacks. High-ranking officials from Iran-backed factions reported rapid deteriorations in their operational capabilities as the situation shifted dramatically.
The downfall of the Iranian-supported regime was accelerated following a series of events, notably Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7. This incident triggered escalated Israeli airstrikes targeting IRGC personnel in Syria, creating an environment of both psychological and operational collapse for Iranian and Hezbollah soldiers, with fighters doubting their ally Assad’s reliability.
As we traverse populated areas encountered during our report, former strongholds of Iranian control are visible. Neo-slogans against both Israel and the USA characterize the vacated installations, symbolizing the animosity felt toward Iran’s presence in the area, now abandoned after a hasty evacuation.
Abdullah, a local resident, recalls the oppressive environment, burdened by Iranian military operations that made daily life fraught with tension. The order to fortify positions before their disappearance heightened fears of being trapped amid conflict, ultimately leading to a sigh of relief for families as they vacated the area within hours.
The sentiments expressed by the local populace emerged as a disdain for Iranian militias contrasted with a more favorable perception of Russian forces. Although Russians engaged in aerial bombardments, the ground-level interactions created negative associations with Iranian troops, leading to the new Syrian authorities’ policies restricting Iranian nationals from entering the country.
Despite the mixed responses from officials, with Iran’s leadership calling for resistance against instability, most in Syria appear to favor moving away from Iranian connections. The aftermath of their military expansion reveals a stark shift in public sentiment, with many perceiving their exit as a finish to Iran’s ambitions in the region.
Remaining infrastructure shows signs of continued expansion right up to their withdrawal, with sites like unfinished tunnels indicating ongoing projects. But the legacies of their presence are largely reduced to remnants and abandoned sites, chronicling the rapid decline of Iranian military endeavours in Syria’s complex landscape.
In summary, the Iranian military presence in Syria has significantly diminished, leaving behind abandoned bases filled with personal items and documentation. The chaotic evacuation reflected unpreparedness and a breakdown of trust between Iranian forces and the Assad regime. Local sentiments have turned against Iran, with many welcoming their departure while expressing a preference for a future without Iranian influence, indicating a transformative period in Syria’s ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
