Reuters: Positioning of Syrian Army and Iran-backed Militias Near Iraq and Jordan Borders

According to Reuters, citing commanders of the 'Free Syrian Army,' Syrian government forces and Iran-backed militias have reinforced their presence in areas near the borders of Iraq and Jordan. These regions are being contested by rebels opposing Bashar al-Assad following the withdrawal of 'ISIS' personnel. On May 15, Reuters reported that intelligence estimates from Syrian rebel commanders indicate the deployment of 'hundreds of army forces and Iran-backed Shiite militias, equipped with tanks and heavy weapons' to the city of 'Sab'a Biyar.' Previously, reports had emerged about the control of Sab'a Biyar and some surrounding areas by Syrian government forces. Sab'a Biyar is located 120 kilometers from Damascus in the desert regions of 'Syrian Desert,' an area extending to the borders of Iraq and Jordan. This relatively remote city is strategically important as it is close to the Damascus-Baghdad highway, and Syrian army forces and pro-Assad militias intend to strengthen their positions there following the exit of personnel from the group known as 'Islamic State.' Meanwhile, several groups affiliated with the 'Free Syrian Army' are also attempting to control these areas. Additionally, training camps for some Syrian rebels are established in border areas, managed by the United States and its coalition, along with Jordan, and rebels say the deployment of Syrian army forces and Iran-backed militias may bring them closer to these camps. One of these bases is 'Al-Tanf,' where U.S. special forces are present and training several 'Free Army' militants. Syrian rebels have told Reuters that the ultimate goal of the Syrian central government and its supporters is to connect with Shiite militias in Iraq, which are present across the border. Iraqi Shiite militias have begun operations since last Friday to drive out 'ISIS' personnel from desert areas near the Syrian border. Leaders of the Iraqi militias have expressed hope that they will soon reach Syrian government forces. Western-backed rebels have made advances against 'ISIS' in Syria over the past two months, managing to control areas from 'Bir Qasab,' located fifty kilometers southeast of Damascus, to the borders of Iraq and Jordan. Syrian and Iranian media reported on May 12 that the Syrian army had 'dominated' the 'Zaza Triangle' in the 'Syrian Desert' and stated that clashes had occurred between the Syrian army and two groups, 'Jaysh al-Sud' and 'Liwa Shuhada al-Qaryatayn' from the 'Free Syrian Army.' The Syrian government has not yet responded to the recent Reuters report. In this context, U.S.-backed forces in Syria have captured the city of Tabqa by pushing back ISIS. The UN has 'a million questions' following the Astana agreement regarding Syria. Bashar al-Assad stated that the plan for safe zones is an opportunity for the opposition to reconcile with the government. Predominantly Kurdish militias have reached 'four kilometers' from Raqqa.