Published Via Omran on December 21, 2017
Iran has persistently sought to expand its influence in southern Syria, challenging international agreements designed to limit its role in the region. This expansion includes the strategic positioning of Iranian militias near the Jordanian-Syrian border and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, areas deemed sensitive by both Russian and American forces who consider such movements a violation of "red lines" and have necessitated direct interventions.
The timeline of conflict in the area, particularly around the Quneitra Front and Western Ghouta from November to December, highlights several key events:
On November 3, Regime Forces and Hezbollah repelled a significant attack by HTS in Hadr, a city on the northern side of the Golan Heights.
On November 17, an Israeli tank targeted the Hezbollah position at Qars Nafal, located between Hadr and Ain Teenah.
By November 23, Hezbollah had taken control of South Beit Tima, following gains in Halef Shor and Tell Al Teen.
By November 30, Hezbollah and Regime forces had secured the strategic Taloul Barda’yah hills near the Golan Heights.
On December 10 and 13, these forces consolidated control over the Beit Jinn pocket, with ongoing operations reported to continue until all local militants either withdrew or accepted a relocation agreement to Idlib.
In mid-December, movements of HTS members from Maghr Al Meer to Beit Jinn were noted, with difficulties in capturing strategic heights like Tal Marwan affecting the Regime's ability to secure the area fully.
Additionally, November 2017 marked a notable development in Daraa province with the creation of Brigade 313 under the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's authority. Despite its recent formation, the brigade quickly attracted over 200 local young men. The recruitment efforts emphasized the benefits and salaries offered, appealing significantly to the local youth known to be supportive of the regime. The recruitment process included issuing IDs with the Revolutionary Guard's logo at the Brigade 313 headquarters in Sa'Sa', which facilitated movement through Regime-controlled checkpoints.
These developments underscore the complex dynamics of military and political alliances in southern Syria, reflecting both local and international tensions that influence the ongoing conflict in the region.
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