Iran Evacuates Military, Including Quds Commanders, from Syria as Rebels Advance

Dec 7, 2024, 01:25 AM

Iran has begun evacuating its military commanders and personnel from Syria, including senior Quds Force commanders and elements of the Fatemiyoun Brigade, according to reports from The New York Times citing regional officials and three Iranian officials. The evacuation, which started on Friday, is seen as a sign of Iran's inability to help keep President Bashar al-Assad in power amid a resurgent rebel offensive that has advanced towards key cities such as Homs and Deir al-Zour. The withdrawal includes top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Quds Forces, IRGC personnel, some diplomatic staff, their families, and Iranian civilians. Evacuation orders were issued from the Iranian embassy in Damascus and IRGC bases. Evacuees are being transported to neighboring countries, including Iraq and Lebanon, and to Tehran via land, sea, and air routes. This development indicates Iran's assessment that it cannot effectively support Assad as Syria's army itself does not want to fight.