Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and Iran-backed militias are deploying to push back Islamist-led fighters from the edge of the city of Hama, Syrian army sources told Reuters, as a shock rebel advance continues southward.
It comes as Russian airstrikes hit civilian areas overnight in a bid to push back fighters gaining ground just kilometers away from the city.
Hama’s fall would put major pressure on President Bashar al-Assad after the capture last week of Aleppo, Syria’s second city.
As rebels in the country continue to advance, the speed of their assault has concerned Assad's allies, with Iran sending Iraqi and Afghan militias to support the long-serving President.
The Syrian government, which has deployed troops around the frontlines of Hama and begun a conscription drive amid the unrest, were supported by Iran-backed Afghan and Iraqi militia. Amid the shortage of troops, checkpoints in Damascus and eastern Deir al-Zor have been put in place to sign up young men to join the army, residents told Reuters.
Tehran is unnerved by the rebel offensive in Syria, as the country serves as a crucial smuggling route for weapons shipments to Hezbollah, Iran's primary military proxy in the region.
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Forces (IRGC) also have outposts there. According to Arabic journal Al Majalla, Iran has 55 military bases in Syria and 515 other military points.
The Israeli military has said it is just 13 bases but says Iran has "appropriated Syrian defense assets". The Atlantic Council also cites camps which are essential to the IRGC such as Damascus International Airport, al-Tayfour Airport, Azraa Base, Sayeda Zeinab Base, al-Kaswa Camp, Zabadani Camp, and al-Qusayr Camp.
Both Russia and Iran have supported the Assad ruling family for decades and between 2015-20 were vital in helping Damascus claw back most of the country from rebel control after they captured swathes of Syria since 2011.
It comes as Russia has been focused on its war on Ukraine and Iran in its proxy war on Israel, which has been surrounded by Iran-backed allies from Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank.
Syria is a key location for both Russia and Iran. Assad is a key link in Iran’s network of Shia militias around the region while for Russia, the naval port of Tartous and Hmeimin air base near Latakia are strategic bases.
