Syrian Regime Prepares for Military Operation in Western Countryside of Daraa

Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
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Syrian Regime Prepares for Military Operation in Western Countryside of Daraa

Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)
Syrian regime forces in Tafas, summer of 2022. (Horan Free League)

Military reinforcements arrived in Syria's western countryside of Daraa Governorate on Monday morning, signaling the Syrian government's preparation for new military operations in the outskirts of Tafas, Dael, Yadouda, and Al-Mazareeb.

This information was reported by local military sources in the western countryside of Daraa.

According to sources, Syrian regime forces successfully reached the Tafas-Al-Mazareeb road on Monday morning.

They deployed at various points in the area and conducted extensive combing operations. Moreover, they raided several abandoned buildings in the southern part of Tafas, west of Daraa, including the “Planter” factory and the Abu Na'im Press.

The local news network Daraa 24 reported that the military campaign in the western countryside of the governorate is targeting farms and expansive plains between the city of Tafas and the towns of Al-Mazareeb and Yadouda, along with the surrounding areas.

This region has witnessed recurring incidents of theft, road blockades, and assassinations.

Additionally, it has become a haven for cells affiliated with ISIS following the recent military campaign against the organization in Daraa city. Moreover, a drug trafficking gang is active in the area.

A leader in one of the local factions in Tafas explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the targeted groups by Syrian regime forces in the recent military movements in western Daraa, including drug traffickers and cells affiliated with ISIS, have been working to swiftly evacuate and relocate their positions as soon as they learn of potential military operations targeting them.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the local leader, who requested anonymity, pointed out that the regime forces conducted military operations in this area around the same time last year.

They imposed financial levies on farmers, who ended up incurring significant losses, estimated at over one billion Syrian pounds, because of the military operations coincided with the harvest season.



Iran, Syria Agree to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism Cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
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Iran, Syria Agree to Strengthen Anti-Terrorism Cooperation

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Syrian counterpart Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. (AFP)

Iran and Syria have pledged to strengthen joint efforts to “combat terrorism,” without directly addressing the role of Iranian advisors in Syria.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Syria’s new Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh in Tehran on Tuesday. This marked Sabbagh’s first visit to Tehran since taking office in September.

In a joint press conference, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s support for Syria and its regional allies. “Iran will always stand by Syria and the Axis of Resistance,” he said, promising continued assistance.

Sabbagh called the talks “positive and constructive,” emphasizing closer cooperation between the two countries. He condemned “Israeli aggression” and stressed the need for an immediate halt to such actions and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.

Sabbagh also reiterated Syria’s call to end Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and highlighted the importance of working with Iran to combat terrorism and its sources, according to Iranian media.

Sabbagh’s visit to Tehran comes days after Ali Larijani, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

Iran’s Javan newspaper reported that Larijani delivered a message to the Axis of Resistance, stressing continued operations and addressing a proposed ceasefire in Lebanon.

The talks also included support for Syria and Hezbollah’s rejection of US changes to UN Resolution 1701, known as the “Litani Plus” plan.

The visit followed remarks by Ali Asghar Khaji, an advisor to Iran’s foreign minister, who told Russia’s RIA Novosti that Iran has no plans to adjust its advisory presence in Syria despite rising regional tensions.