Russia Makes New Arrangements in Northeast Syria

Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
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Russia Makes New Arrangements in Northeast Syria

Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)
Syrian and Russian soldiers are seen at a checkpoint in Damascus. (Reuters)

Russia arranged for the Syrian army to enter into some areas under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in an attempt to organize the situation in the east of the country.

Earlier, Russian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Moscow is exerting intensive efforts to contain the military escalation in northern Syria, following the military drills and exercises carried out by various parties.

Furthermore, forces allied with Turkey are sending large reinforcements to the countryside of al-Hasakeh and Raqqa.

The Russian military police intensified direct contacts between the Syrian army and the SDF leadership, including the regional Kurdish forces.

Meanwhile, Russia is limiting the Iranian deployment in Qamishli, according to local sources. Moscow issued an order to prevent the transfer of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members into the areas controlled by the SDF through Qamishli airport.

The Eye of the Euphrates network stated that the Russian decision was made in coordination with the Syrian army. Moscow believes the Iranian presence in the area is not justified, especially since there is no military escalation there.

The Russian military command in Syria informed the army in Qamishli of a decision to prevent the transfer of IRGC from the Syrian provinces to al-Hasakeh. Some 150 Iran-affiliated fighters are deployed in areas near Qamishli airport.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that militias affiliated with Iran had redeployed in towns and villages from al-Mayadin to al-Bukamal, on the Syrian-Iraqi border.

Meanwhile, Syrian regime agencies in Deir Ezzor are preparing for a settlement in mid-November, similar to the one that happened in the Daraa governorate under the auspices of Russia.

Local sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Damascus has started forming special settlement committees to include all wanted persons.

The Ministry of Interior formed a committee to issue a status settlement document that ensures its holder will not be prosecuted. The relevant military and security checkpoints were notified, according to the sources.

The Secretary of the Deir Ezzor branch of the Baath Party, Raed al-Ghadban, had announced earlier the regime's intention to carry out a "comprehensive settlement" in the province.



Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
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Khamenei Urges Iraq’s PM to Strengthen Popular Mobilization Forces

Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)
Sudani and Pezeshkian hold a joint press conference in Tehran. (Iranian presidency)

Iran and Iraq have acknowledged Syria as a shared concern and called for preserving its territorial integrity and working together to establish security and stability in the country.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei urged Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “preserve and strengthen the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF),” describing the presence of US forces in Iraq as “illegal and contrary to the interests of the Iraqi people and government.”

During his meeting with Sudani, Khamenei said: “The indicators suggest that the Americans are seeking to solidify and expand their presence in Iraq, and this occupation must be firmly opposed.”

He further emphasized the importance of “unity and harmony among Iraq’s diverse sectarian and ethnic groups.”

Khamenei’s remarks came as he held discussions with Sudani on regional developments, including the situation in Syria and the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

According to Khamenei’s official website, Sudani expressed satisfaction with the talks in Tehran and hoped that the “negotiations and agreements signed would enhance and deepen the relationship between the two nations.”

He reiterated Iraq’s consistent stance of supporting “the will of the Syrian people, safeguarding its independence and territorial integrity, and working towards forming an inclusive government.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Sudani met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

to discuss regional developments and to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields.

In a joint press conference, Pezeshkian described Iraq as a key partner for Iran, stating: “We are pleased that relations between the two countries are at their highest levels, with cooperation expanding day by day.”

“Iran constantly strives for peace, stability, and development in the region. The security, growth, and welfare of the Iraqi people are of great importance to Iran,” he added.

The Iranian president noted that the two nations share concerns regarding Syria, including its stability, territorial unity, combating terrorist groups, the removal of Israeli influence from occupied areas, and the protection of Shiite religious sites.

He stressed that the resurgence of terrorism and the reactivation of terrorist cells remain a shared threat, making collaboration and vigilance between Iraq and Iran more crucial than ever.

During his visit, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s respect for “the will of the Syrian people” and its support for “any political or constitutional system they choose without foreign interference.”

He also expressed Iraq’s readiness to cooperate with all parties to facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria that reflects the people’s aspirations.

Sudani landed in Tehran on Wednesday for an official one-day visit. Upon his arrival at Mehrabad Airport in western Tehran, he was received by Iranian Minister of Economy Abdolnasser Hemmati.