Iranian and Hezbollah Forces on Standby for Aleppo Operations with Russian Support

Two senior regional officials have informed Reuters that the Syrian army, alongside Iranian soldiers and Hezbollah, is preparing to launch an assault on rebels in Aleppo with the support of Russian airstrikes. Additionally, some Arab media have reported the presence of Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran's Quds Force, in Syria. The Reuters report published on Tuesday, October 21, states that the assault on the rebels in Aleppo will be more extensive than the attacks that took place last week in Hama province. Hama province has recently witnessed heavy Russian airstrikes and advances by Bashar al-Assad's forces, with some areas being captured by government troops. This same strategy is now being applied in Aleppo, but Iranian and Hezbollah forces will also participate this time. One of the mentioned officials told Reuters, 'Preparations for a major battle in this area [Aleppo] are evident. The Syrian army, Hezbollah fighters, and thousands of Iranian soldiers who have arrived in recent days are all mobilized.' Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran has recently sent thousands of soldiers to Syria near the Israeli border. Netanyahu emphasized that Iran is seeking to open a new front in the Syrian Golan Heights against Israel. The Reuters report also quotes these officials stating, 'It is no longer hidden that thousands of Iranians are now in Syria, and their role is fundamental.' Ahead of this attack, which is said to be 'imminent,' reports have also surfaced regarding the presence of Qassem Soleimani in Syria. This report has been published in Arab media, including the Lebanese news website 'Khabar Press,' the Egyptian website 'Bawabat,' and the Syrian website 'Aks al-Sir,' citing sources close to Iran. The Lebanese newspaper 'Al-Akhbar,' which is close to Hezbollah, also confirmed this news, reporting the beginning of the second phase of the new coalition operation involving the Syrian government, Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah. The newspaper 'Al-Akhbar' wrote that Iran sent the first group of Revolutionary Guard forces to Syria on Tuesday, which is set to join the Syrian army and Hezbollah units to initiate the first phase of the 'operation to reclaim northwestern Syria.' According to this report, this action by Iran 'indicates the direct role Tehran will play alongside the Syrian army in the upcoming large ground operation.' The Iranian Revolutionary Guard lost one of its senior commanders, Hossein Hamadani, in Syria last week. Mr. Hamadani's death also occurred in the outskirts of Aleppo province. Before the Syrian civil war, Aleppo was the most populous city in the country. Syrian government forces currently control the western parts of the city, while the eastern areas are held by rebel groups.