Reuters: Protests by Iran-backed Forces Against Deployment of Russian Troops at Syria-Lebanon Border

Reuters reports that the temporary deployment of Russian soldiers near the city of Qusayr, at the Syria-Lebanon border, has sparked protests from Iran-backed militias, including Hezbollah. The report states that these militias opposed this 'uncoordinated action.' An unnamed military commander told Reuters that the issue was resolved after the Syrian army was deployed to three positions where the Russian forces had taken up position. Reuters describes the events and the lack of coordination between Russia and Iran-backed forces in Syria as rare. One military commander involved in the discussion with the news agency stated, 'This was an uncoordinated action and now the issue has been resolved. We opposed this action. The 11th Division of the Syrian army has been deployed at the border.' This commander added that Hezbollah forces are still present in the area. The Russian army and officials have not yet responded to this report, and no Russian official has confirmed or denied its accuracy. Radio Farda is unable to confirm or deny this report. The Reuters report comes amid recent calls from Moscow for foreign forces to withdraw from Syria or parts of it, which have met with reactions from Iranian officials. Meanwhile, senior Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister, have had various meetings and discussions with senior Russian officials, almost all related to the presence of Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militias in Syria. Vladimir Putin stated during a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that foreign military personnel must leave Syria during the peace establishment phase. Shortly after, Alexander Lavrentiev, his envoy on Syrian affairs, clarified that this warning also includes Iranian forces and Hezbollah. The Iranian Foreign Ministry's response to these statements was that the policies of the Islamic Republic are independent and no one can force Iran to do anything. Shortly thereafter, Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, referring to the agreement regarding the establishment of safe zones in Syrian territory, stated that foreign forces must withdraw as soon as possible from areas bordering Israel and Jordan. Three days later, the defense ministers of Israel and Russia, as well as the Israeli Prime Minister and the Russian President, discussed the military presence of Iran in Syria. Iranian officials have continued to respond similarly to these events. In this context, Massoud Jazayeri, advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic, stated that Tehran and Damascus have 'deep relations' that are not influenced by 'the propaganda actions of anyone.' One military commander who spoke with Reuters suggested that the recent positioning of Russian forces at the border with Lebanon might have been 'to reassure Israel.' Another official stated that the 'Resistance Front' - a propaganda reference to Iran-backed forces - is currently 'reviewing the events' that have occurred.