Putin and Behdarvand Discuss Syria; Casualties from Clashes Exceed 500

The Kremlin states that Vladimir Putin and Masoud Behdarvand, the presidents of Russia and Iran, have held a phone conversation regarding developments in Syria. Meanwhile, reports indicate an increase in casualties from the fighting between Islamist rebels and Syrian government forces. According to a report published on Monday, December 3, the conversation focused on the 'escalation of the situation' in Syria. The statement adds that both sides emphasized 'unconditional support for the actions of the legitimate Syrian authorities to restore constitutional order, political, economic, and social stability in Syria.' The Iranian presidency also announced that Masoud Behdarvand stated during this conversation that 'the movements of terrorist groups' in northern Syria are being conducted with the support and backing of Israel, putting the region back in a 'state of alert.' He also mentioned the Islamic Republic's readiness for 'any cooperation with Russia' to support Syria's territorial integrity. On the same day, Masoud Behdarvand also spoke by phone with Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria. According to AFP, Bashar al-Assad described the recent attacks by jihadist groups, which have captured parts of Syrian government territory, as 'aimed at redrawing the map of the region in line with American interests.' ISNA news agency also reported that he stated their 'main goal is the disintegration of Syria and the creation of a country in the north of our country with the agency of Israel and America.' According to this report, Masoud Behdarvand also emphasized 'the preservation of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity' during this conversation. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights announced that since Wednesday, when Islamist and jihadist rebels led by the 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' began their advance, over 500 people have been killed. This London-based organization reported that among the 514 fatalities from these clashes, 92 were civilians. According to the report, 268 rebels from Tahrir al-Sham and its allies and 152 soldiers from the Syrian army and pro-government militias have also been killed in the past five days. Following his trip to Damascus, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, upon arriving in Ankara, stated that the Syrian government is in a 'difficult situation.' Abbas Araghchi commented on the situation in Syria, saying that 'naturally, it is a difficult situation,' and added that 'we had a good exchange of views regarding the current developments in the region and Syria with Mr. Bashar al-Assad.' He then emphasized that the Islamic Republic and its affiliated groups 'support Syria and will provide any necessary support.' Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria is considered one of the Islamic Republic's allies, and Abbas Araghchi stated that this government is currently facing 'new threats,' warning against 'the exploitation of enemies' of the Islamic Republic from the situation in Syria, referring to Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. Shortly after, following a meeting with the Turkish Foreign Minister, he acknowledged that there are 'differences of opinion' between the two countries regarding joint cooperation. Abbas Araghchi also announced that Iran and Turkey have agreed to hold the next 'Astana Process' meeting at the level of foreign ministers soon. The 'Astana Process' is a series of meetings among the leaders of Iran, Turkey, and Russia focusing on the Syrian conflict that emerged during the country's civil war. On Monday, Ismail Baqaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, also stated in a press conference regarding the latest status of the Iranian consulate in Aleppo, which was targeted by Assad's opponents, that 'the Iranian consulate was evacuated in time, and no problems were created for any of our colleagues.' Meanwhile, reports emerged on Monday that, according to Syrian army sources, Iran-backed militias entered Syria from Iraq the previous night and moved towards the north of the country to assist Syrian army forces that are under pressure from rebels. Dozens of Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi forces entered Syria through a military route near the al-Bukamal crossing. One senior Syrian army source stated that these forces include groups such as the Hezbollah Brigades and Fatemiyoun and have been dispatched as reinforcements to the northern fronts. Shortly after, Falih al-Fayyad, the leader of the so-called Hashd al-Shaabi, denied the entry of his forces into Syrian territory, stating that these forces do not conduct operations outside Iraq. During the Syrian civil war, Iran helped Bashar al-Assad suppress rebels and regain much of the country's territory by sending thousands of Shiite militia forces and providing air support from Russia. However, a lack of reinforcements in recent days has been one of the reasons for the rapid retreat of the Syrian army from northern areas, including the city of Aleppo. Iran-aligned militias led by Hezbollah still maintain a presence in the Aleppo region. However, Reuters reported, citing three sources close to Hezbollah, that the group does not intend to send its members to fight against rebels in Syria. These sources stated that the Syrian government did not request assistance from this Iran-backed group and that Hezbollah is not ready to send forces to Syria after approximately two months of heavy ground fighting with Israel. Hezbollah entered the Syrian civil war alongside other Iran-backed groups and fought to maintain Bashar al-Assad's government. On the other hand, Israel has increased its attacks on Iranian bases in Syria in recent months while simultaneously conducting operations in Lebanon that have weakened Hezbollah's military capabilities. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, stated on Monday in an interview with the Arab Sky News network that 'the Iranian government is sending reinforcements to Syria. We are monitoring the situation in Syria and emphasize that Israel will act based on its appropriate positions and will prevent the transfer of Iranian weapons to Syria.' The city of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, has completely fallen out of the control of the Syrian government and is now in the hands of opposition forces led by the 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham.' According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, these forces have captured all parts of the city except for four neighborhoods controlled by Kurdish forces. In a surprise attack that began on Wednesday, the 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham' captured a power plant, a military airbase, and several army training centers in the outskirts of Aleppo. Turkey-backed rebels have also taken two cities and an airbase in eastern Aleppo from government forces. The Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist and Sunni group with roots linked to al-Qaeda, was established in 2011 under the name 'Jabhat al-Nusra' and has become one of the deadliest opponents of Bashar al-Assad's government. This group separated from al-Qaeda in 2016 and adopted its new name after restructuring. The United States officially designated Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization in 2018. The European Union, the UK, Turkey, and several other countries have also listed this group as a terrorist organization. Over the past four years, as it seemed that the Syrian civil war had subsided, the northwestern province of Idlib has remained under the control of extremist Islamic and rebel groups, including 'Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham,' which were driven to this region at the height of the war. As an ally of the Syrian government, Russia has also recently conducted extensive airstrikes against opposition-controlled areas in Idlib and Hama provinces, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and many injuries. These developments, considered the largest rebel attack on Aleppo since 2016, have led to the displacement of thousands. Bashar al-Assad, the president of Syria, has promised decisive action against the rebels, emphasizing the 'necessity of eradicating terrorism.' The UN special envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, described these clashes as a sign of 'collective failure' in finding a peaceful solution and called for negotiations among the warring parties. The United States and three European countries (France, Germany, and the UK) issued a joint statement calling for de-escalation, protection of civilians and infrastructure in Syria, and emphasized the need for a political solution in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Meanwhile, Russian and Syrian airstrikes on opposition-controlled areas in Aleppo and Idlib provinces have resulted in at least 25 deaths and dozens of injuries. The well-known humanitarian organization 'White Helmets' announced that the total casualties from these attacks since Wednesday have reached 56 dead and 238 injured. Russia is also a supporter of Bashar al-Assad's government. In this context, reports have emerged regarding the dismissal of the commander of Russian forces in Syria following the rebels' advance. Additionally, the US-led international coalition has targeted positions of Iran-linked militias in Deir ez-Zor. Israeli media reported that Israeli fighter jets prevented an Iranian cargo plane from landing in Damascus by intercepting it in Syrian airspace and forcing it to return. An Israeli defense source told the Times of Israel that the Israeli Air Force's fighters intercepted the Iranian plane over Syria and 'ordered' it to return to its original route, and the pilot of the Iranian plane turned back shortly after receiving the warning and refrained from landing at Damascus airport. According to the Times of Israel, this interception of the Iranian flight is part of Israel's efforts to prevent the arrival of Iranian weapons for Hezbollah, as Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire in their 14-month war on December 7. This incident occurred between Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Neither Iran nor Syria has responded to this news. Ynet, the news website of Yedioth Ahronoth, Haaretz newspaper, and Kan Israel network also reported this event. The Times of Israel noted that this is one of several instances in recent months where the Israeli army has forced several Iranian flights to turn back over Syrian or Iraqi airspace due to suspicions of carrying weapons for Hezbollah. A similar incident occurred about two weeks ago when an Iranian plane was forced to turn back over Iraq before entering Syrian airspace. The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army stated that it will enforce the ceasefire 'with strength' and will respond to any potential violations. The Israeli army monitors the transfer of weapon shipments for Hezbollah in Syria, Lebanon, and the borders of these two countries and considers it a violation of the established ceasefire. Hours before the ceasefire began on December 7, Israel heavily bombed 'smuggling routes for weapons for Hezbollah' along the borders of Syria and northern Lebanon. Israeli media have reported the country's concerns regarding recent developments in Syria and their implications for its security. Israel is worried about the possibility of Syrian army weapons falling into the hands of rebel groups, especially chemical weapons, as well as the strengthening of Iran and Hezbollah's presence in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the country is closely monitoring the situation in Syria and has held government meetings to discuss security threats. According to Israeli officials, Iran is sending forces and weapons to support Bashar al-Assad.