The conflict in Syria has taken a deadly turn as Iraqi militias have deployed in the war-torn country to support the government’s counteroffensive against insurgents.
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have crossed into Syria to back the government’s fight against the insurgents, who seized Aleppo last week. The insurgents, led by the jihadi group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launched a surprise two-pronged attack on Aleppo and moved into the countryside around Idlib and Hama province.
The situation in Syria has raised concerns about another violent front reopening in the Middle East. The U.S.-backed Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both Iranian-allied groups. Russia and Turkey, with their own interests in Syria, may also be drawn into direct confrontation.
Syrian and Russian airstrikes on rebel positions have continued, with at least 10 civilians killed in Idlib city and province. Syrian Kurds are fleeing the fighting in large numbers, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have called for a humanitarian corridor to allow people to leave safely.
The conflict in Syria has caused concern among neighboring countries that the conflict could spill over. In Iraq, Interior Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Miqdad Miri said that security forces have deployed in greater numbers to protect their large border with Syria.
The advance by the insurgents is a huge embarrassment for Assad, and it comes at a time when his allies Iran and groups it backs and Russia are preoccupied with their own conflicts.
