Iran Reduces Military Presence in Syria after Series of Attacks Blamed on Israel

Iran has reportedly reduced its military presence in Syria following a series of attacks attributed to Israel. According to a source close to Hezbollah, Iran has been supporting Syrian government forces for over a decade. However, the withdrawal from southern Syria, including the provinces of Quneitra and Daraa near the Golan Heights, was prompted by a string of assassinations targeting senior Iranian military officials.

The decision to reduce military presence began after a strike on Damascus on January 21, which resulted in the death of five advisors to the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The commander of the Al-Quds Force was among those killed. Iran blames Israel for this operation. Subsequent strikes on Iranian targets in Syria, such as the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1, have further influenced Iran’s military positioning. As a response to the consulate attack, Iran launched an unprecedented strike on Israel on April 14.

Despite withdrawing from southern Syria and Damascus, up to 3,000 Iranian troops remain in Syria, supported by militants from Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The source close to Hezbollah indicates that these troops are still present in other parts of Syria and will continue to support Syrian government forces against opposition groups.