Qassem Soleimani's Presence in Aleppo Following Intensified Clashes in Syria

MNA reported that following the "intensification of clashes" in Syria, Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has traveled from Fallujah, Iraq, to Aleppo, Syria. Meanwhile, Ali Saidi, the representative of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic in the IRGC, denied allegations regarding the "revenge" of Iranian-backed forces against Sunnis in Fallujah, stating that Saudi Arabia is "unhappy" with the "liberation" of this city. According to MNA, the Quds Force commander was present on Sunday, June 30, in the southern outskirts of Aleppo alongside the forces of the "Islamic Resistance Group Nujaba" to be informed about the events and operations taking place. The report indicates that Mr. Soleimani has been present in Iraq in recent days "to provide military advice and oversee the operations room of the city of Fallujah." Previously, photos and videos of Qassem Soleimani's presence in Syria and Iraq have been published. Iranian officials have declared that the aim of Iran's military presence in Syria and Iraq is to provide "advisory assistance" to the armies of these countries. In the same context, the representative of the Supreme Leader in the IRGC stated: "If the Saudis stop interfering in the affairs of the Iraqi people and security is established in this country, there will be no need for General Soleimani's presence there." Ali Saidi emphasized in an interview with the "Al-Alam" network, affiliated with the Islamic Republic's broadcasting service, that Saudi Arabia is "unhappy" with the "liberation" of Fallujah. He also rejected allegations regarding the "revenge" of the "Hashd al-Shaabi" forces, the Iranian-backed Shiite militia coalition, against Sunnis in Fallujah, adding: "In the liberation of Fallujah, the decision was made to minimize casualties and allow all people of any sect to exit the besieged Fallujah." Thamer al-Sabhan, the Saudi ambassador to Baghdad, recently tweeted that "the presence of Iranian terrorist figures near Fallujah clearly indicates that they want to burn Arab Iraqis in the fire of sectarianism." Al-Sabhan also stated in an interview with Al-Sumaria TV that "the Hashd al-Shaabi forces (the Iranian-backed Iraqi Shiite militia coalition) should leave the fight against extremists to the Iraqi army and security forces to prevent the escalation of sectarian tensions." Following these remarks, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned the Saudi ambassador in Baghdad and submitted a note of protest regarding his statements. On Saturday, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, the Iraqi Foreign Minister, accused the Saudi ambassador in Baghdad of interfering in Iraq's internal affairs in an interview with IRNA, stating that the ambassador's activities contradict his responsibilities. Reports indicate that despite the announcement of victory by Iraqi forces in the battle of Fallujah against the "Islamic State" militants, clashes within the city continue. Meanwhile, Iraqi forces have recently begun the second phase of the Mosul liberation operation.