Most recently, the fighting in northern Syria had shifted from Aleppo to the country's fourth largest city, Hama. There, Assad's troops, with the support of his allies, were able to stop the jihadists' offensive for the time being.
The advance of the alliance led by jihadists in Syria is stalling: its advance into the country's fourth largest city, Hama, has been halted for the time being by massive air strikes. Both parties to the conflict said the Islamist insurgents had been pushed back from the outskirts of the strategically important city. “We were forced to retreat by heavy enemy bombardment from the air,” said one of the commanders, Abu al-Qaqaa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in Great Britain also confirmed the withdrawal of the jihadists.
A capture of Hamas would significantly increase the pressure on Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. In order to maintain his position, the ruler depends on the support of his allies. In view of the rebel offensive, Iran says it is now considering sending its own troops to Syria. “If the Syrian government asks Iran to send troops to Syria, we will consider the request,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al-Arabi al Jadid.
Iranian generals already sent to Syria
As the Arabic-language section of Iranian broadcaster Al-Alam reported, a general and other military advisors have already been sent to the country. The delegation, led by General Jawad Ghafari, an expert on Syria, is now supposed to support the government troops' counteroffensive around Hama.
Iraqi fighters supported by Iran have already been deployed to Syria to support Assad, army sources said. These helped reinforce the Syrian army's front lines near Hama, where the military was regrouping after the loss of Aleppo.
Syrian state media had previously reported that reinforcements were arriving. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in Great Britain reported heavy fighting around five kilometers northeast of the city limits.
Russia sees Ukraine behind the escalation in Syria
Iran and its allied troops from the region are, along with Russia, the most important supporters of Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad. The Kremlin also repeatedly assured Assad of its support after the start of the rebel offensive. The war against Ukraine has reduced the number of troops stationed in Syria, but Russian jets have recently carried out repeated air strikes against jihadist positions.
