Israel says Russia working with pro-Iranian militias near Syria-Israel border


Officials confirm Iran-sponsored groups have been cooperating with Moscow in areas close to border as part of offensive against rebels in Daraa

Smoke plumes from Syrian and Russian air attack in south-eastern Syria

Avi Issacharoff writes in Times of israel, “Despite claims by Israeli sources that Russia is acting to distance Iran from the Israeli-Syrian border, the recent Syrian army campaign in the area of Daraa, near the border, saw cooperation between the Russians army, Syrian forces, Hezbollah, and pro-Iranian militias. Israeli military sources confirmed the information. The regime’s assault, which began in mid-June, was directed at defeating rebel forces controlling the area. The Russians provided an aerial umbrella for the land forces acting on behalf of President Bashar Assad, which included pro-Iranian militias and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah.”

“According to claims by the Syrian opposition, the operation included face-to-face meetings between representatives of the Russian army and commanders of pro-Iranian Shiite militias, which were held in areas just 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) from the Israeli border. On the eve of the regime’s assault, there were reports that Israel had reiterated its longstanding demand that pro-Iranian militias, as well as Iran’s Lebanese proxy Hezbollah and members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, be withdrawn to at least 40-80 kilometers (25-50 miles) from the border. According to some reports, Israel is demanding a complete withdrawal of Iranian forces from the country, though Russia has said that is unlikely to happen.”

“The Kremlin said the issue of the Iranian presence in Syria would feature high on the agenda of Monday’s meeting in Helsinki between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to the Syrian American Council, an opposition-supporting lobby group in the US, Iraqi Shiite militia forces who operate under the auspices of Iran were seen in the city of Da’el, located just 30 kilometers from the Israeli border.” (more…)

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