PHOTO: Revolutionary Guards leader General Mohammad Ali Jafari at the ceremony for the slain commander of Iran’s forces in Syria, General Hossein Hamedani, on Tuesday
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have redoubled their commitment to Syria’s Assad regime, declaring on Tuesday that Tehran’s security is linked to that of Damascus.
The Guards commander, Mohammad Ali Jafari, spoke of the “direct connection” during a 40th-day ceremony for the death of General Hossein Hamedani, Iran’s commander in Syria who was killed near Aleppo on October 7.
The Supreme Leader’s represenatives to the Guards, Hojetoleslam Ali Saidi and Hojatoleslam Ali Shirazi; head of the Basij paramilitary, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi; and Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan attended the ceremony.
Jafari said that, had it not been for Hamedani’s efforts, Damascus would already have fallen to the “terrorists” challenging Assad.
The Revolutionary Guards have been involved in the defense of the Assad regime since 2012, overseeing the creation of the National Defense Forces militia, providing logistic and operational advice, and commanding units in the field.
On Tuesday, Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan conferred by phone with Syrian counterpart Fahd Jassem al-Freij and “underscored Iran’s preparedness to provide assistance to the Syrian government and nation”. He reassured Freij that the Syrian people that a “very bright and promising future” awaits them.
Iran has escalated its intervention alongside Russia’s bombing campaign, putting in more commanders and fighters for the Syrian military’s six offensive across northwest Syria. Since October 7, at least seven commanders and 50 fighters have been killed.
Despite the mounting toll, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, insisted on Monday that Iran does not have ground troops inside Syria as “Syrians can defend their homeland”.
