Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders and Syrian regime officers informed locals living in neighborhoods close to the Nairab military airport in Aleppo governorate to evacuate their homes for “security reasons.”
The clearing of civilians coincided with military measures and activities carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and its loyalist militias in the northern and northeastern regions.
In Syria, Iranian militias look to consolidate their influence while taking advantage of Russia's preoccupation with the war in Ukraine.
Activists in Aleppo said that “about 22 families living near Nairab were informed by Syrian regime forces and others from the Revolutionary Guards, of the need for them to leave their homes within a short period of 15 days, for reasons related to airport security.”
“Six officers, four of whom were Syrians and two Iranians, over the past two days, conducted a reconnaissance tour of a number of houses surrounding Nairab from the north and south sides, and other houses within tall buildings overlooking the airport,” activists revealed.
The officers met with the local homeowners of 22 residences and demanded they empty the premises for security reasons.
According to locals, the Syrian officers ensured that these families were given official circulars issued by the Syrian state, to help them obtain compensation, or find housing in other neighborhoods and areas of Aleppo.
Activists said that the measure comes as part of the Revolutionary Guards’ year-old plan to tighten its control over Aleppo.
The military apparatus plans to completely subject Aleppo to Iranian influence, especially by recruiting dozens of local tribesmen and families into the ranks of its loyal militias.
“For more than a year and a half, the Iranians have taken over Nairab, located east of Aleppo, as a main center for managing military activities and loyalist militias,” said a local opposition monitor.
“Iran is taking advantage of the Russians’ preoccupation with the war in Ukraine, and is working to strengthen its role and influence in a number of Syrian regions, especially Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Albukamal and Raqqa,” it added.
Iran is building its influence in those areas by transferring military equipment, including drones and missile weapons, from areas in Hama and Homs.
