Iran’s withdrawal from Syria has left its military bases in chaos, revealing signs of panic in their hasty retreat. Amidst decay and tension, local perceptions have shifted against Iranian forces, while new authorities in Syria are distancing themselves from Tehran’s influence. The rapid decline of Iran’s once robust presence indicates a significant power shift in the region.
Iran’s military presence in Syria, which lasted over a decade, has come to an abrupt end as bases are abandoned in disarray. Remnants of their hasty retreat include rotting food, discarded military gear, and unguarded weapons, revealing a narrative of panic.
Iran has been a crucial ally to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, providing military advisers and foreign militia, forming a strategic “security belt” against Israel. Notably, one of the significant bases was located near Khan Shaykhun in Idlib province.
The base, identified as the Position of Martyr Zahedi, was named after an IRGC commander killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike. Receipts for supplies indicate daily life persisted until quickly abandoned. Currently, Uyghur fighters from Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham have occupied the site, showcasing the base’s shift in control.
The base consisted of intricately designed tunnels with minimal amenities, decorated with remnants of Iranian culture. Documents left behind contained sensitive personnel information, exposing the identities and details of many Afghan fighters integrated into the Iranian force.
Despite Tehran’s rationale of combating jihadist groups, unanticipated developments led to a swift retreat under chaotic circumstances, with many fleeing to Iraq. Eyewitnesses noted how quickly forces fell back, with orders simply stating, “take your backpack and leave.”
The collapse was hastened by Israel’s retaliation following Hamas’s attack on October 7, leading to intensified assaults on Iran-backed troops in Syria and revealing a fracture in trust between Assad and his Iranian allies. Sources close to the IRGC indicated a breakdown in their military cooperation, attributing the defeat to pressures from the ground and mutual suspicions.
Within the remnants of Iranian strongholds, locals expressed relief at their departure, recalling stressful encounters amplified by the militia’s presence and control. The discontent emphasized the vast difference in local perception between Iranian and Russian forces, highlighting a complex dynamic of foreign authority in Syria.
In the aftermath, Syria’s emerging leadership has taken a stance against Iranian involvement, reflecting a general animosity towards the Iranian military’s heavy-handed tactics. Iranian diplomatic operations remain shuttered, while the fresh regime expresses a desire for a more moderate relationship with Tehran, signaling a significant shift in regional alliances.
Amidst the evidence of military infrastructure left in disrepair, such as unfinished tunnels and a field hospital under construction, the remnants tell a story of Iran’s rapid fall from power in Syria, closing a chapter on their extensive military ambitions.
The narrative surrounding Iran’s military retreat from Syria illustrates a complex shift in regional dynamics marked by panic and rapid change. Decades of investment disintegrated almost overnight due to internal conflicts, external pressures, and a lack of preparedness. The emerging leadership shows a definitive shift away from Iranian influence, underscoring local sentiments against foreign occupation and introducing a reinvigorated approach toward governance and international relations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
