★ SYRIA
Welcome to the Early Phoenix Middle East Reports, compiled by ACLS Research Team and Editor Rania Kisar. Share your opinion analysis with us and let your voice be heard. Email comments and suggestions to [email protected] or tweet @levantstudies
1.U.S.-Led Coalition Drone Strike Hits IRGC in Eastern Syria
On Sunday, a U.S.-led international coalition drone strike targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) militia members in eastern Deir ez-Zor, Syria, resulting in six fatalities and 16 injuries. The attack focused on a military vehicle on the Al-Dweir road near Al-Bukamal, close to the Syria-Iraq border. This strike follows a previous attack by an Iran-backed Iraqi militia on Kharab al-Jir Airbase in eastern Al-Hasakah on Friday night, which involved two drones and led to injuries and a fire. On Saturday, Reuters confirmed that several U.S. and coalition military personnel were injured in Syria and relocated for further evaluation. A U.S. official reported another drone attack on American forces at Rumelan Landing Zone, with no immediate injuries.
2.Syrian Democratic Forces Attack Regime Positions in Deir Ezzor, Killing 18
The Deir Ezzor Military Council, part of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), conducted an operation targeting three Syrian regime positions in Deir Ezzor, resulting in the deaths of 18 regime soldiers and injuries to others. The attack was in retaliation for recent regime artillery strikes that killed civilians and SDF fighters in eastern Deir Ezzor. The Council also raided three villages used as launch points for regime attacks, seizing weapons and military equipment. The SDF warned that further regime aggression would be met with continued defensive actions. The regime has not yet officially responded.
3.Israeli Strikes Target Syrian Military Site in Daraa Countryside
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported multiple explosions near the occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Sunday. These explosions were caused by Israeli rocket attacks on a Syrian military site at Tel al-Jabiyah in western Daraa countryside. The strikes resulted in plumes of smoke rising from the targeted area, with ambulances rushing to the scene.
4.Turkey Stresses Syria Withdrawal Tied to New Constitution, Elections
Turkey’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler emphasized that Ankara will only discuss coordination on withdrawing from Syria after a new constitution is agreed upon, elections are held, and borders are secured. He mentioned potential ministerial-level talks between Turkey and Syria to normalize relations if conditions are favorable. Additionally, Güler highlighted ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over acquiring F-35 fighter jets. He also described joint anti-terrorism efforts with Iraq as a turning point, stressing that the PKK poses a threat to Iraq’s role in the regional Development Road project.
5.Religious Tourism in Syria: Economic Boost or Iranian Influence?
Religious tourism in Syria, especially to Shia sites, has become a crucial revenue stream for Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Syrian Minister of Tourism Mohammad Rami Martini recently opened a new hotel in Sayyidah Zainab, a suburb of Damascus with many Iranian-owned establishments. This area is significant for Iran, which promotes religious sites with strategic intent. In late 2022, Syria removed visa requirements for Iraqis to encourage religious tourism. Iran’s influence in Syria is evident in the promotion of Shia sites, using religious tourism as a vehicle for ideological and political expansion. Before the 2011 conflict, Syria was a popular destination for Christian pilgrims, but the war diminished this tourism. In contrast, Shia religious tourism has remained steady, benefiting the regime financially and supporting Iran’s strategic goals. This tourism provides critical foreign currency and fosters closer ties between Syria and Iran.
6.Putin Pressures Assad to Distance from Iran, Engage with Turkey
Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Bashar al-Assad to distance Syria from Iran to prevent further escalation in the region. Putin’s warning comes due to concerns over Russian influence, especially with ongoing tensions in Ukraine. A Russian security delegation met with Hezbollah leaders to assess future actions following threats to Israel. Putin also tasked Sergey Shoigu with ensuring Syria’s neutrality, emphasizing the risks of an open war involving Syria. Putin advised Assad to engage with Turkey and drop preconditions for normalizing relations, aiming to prevent renewed conflict while addressing the Kurdish issue. Russia’s concerns are heightened by recent Iranian-backed tribal attacks in eastern Syria, prompting intervention to restore stability.
