Iranian-backed militias fortify sites in Aleppo countryside
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – During the past two days, Iranian-backed armed militias stationed in Syrian north brought military reinforcements from Sayyidah Zaynab area south of Damascus to contact lines with Turkish-backed armed Syrian opposition factions in the northern countryside of Aleppo.
The Iranian-backed militias have increased their state of readiness in areas of Tel Rifaat and the vicinity of Nubl and Zahraa. They have also increased their fortifications and the number of armed forces through military reinforcements that included Syrian fighters, who operate within the militias’ ranks.
A leader of an Iranian-backed militia, Abu Zaynab told North Press, “Our forces are highly prepared and ready to battle and confront the attack by Turkey and its affiliated factions, also known as Syrian National Army (SNA) that may begin any time.”
“We are closely following the Turkish moves in the northern countryside of Aleppo that indicates a coming war amidst sending Turkish military convoys that entered through Bab al-Salama border crossing,” he added.
The leader said that these convoys, militarily speaking, “means declaration of war.”
Abu Zaynab added that there is “a comprehensive coordination with the Syrian government forces and Afrin Liberation Forces since all of us bear responsibility for confronting this war if launched.”
The Iranian military reinforcements that arrived in Aleppo northern countryside are the biggest since battles launched to lift siege on Nubl and Zahraa in early 2016.