1,000 Iranian Fighters Killed in Syria!
08 January 2017
By Tariq Alhomayed
Mohammad Ali Shahidi Mahallati, the Supreme Leader's representative to the
Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, said that the number of Iranian
fighters killed in Syria, while defending Bashar al-Assad, exceeded one
thousand.
Why did Iran announce the number of those killed, knowing that it has always
been denying any involvement in the fighting and claiming that it's only
sending experts to Syria?
Did Iran unveil this number for internal reasons, due to the rise in losses,
or are there other reasons?
The only justification for this Iranian announcement is that Tehran has a
message to deliver to Russia and even to Assad, especially after the victory
of U.S. elect-president Donald Trump. Iran wants to say that it offered
sacrifices and losses that can't be overlooked for the sake of any possible
U.S.-Russian rapprochement.
Iran might be showing concerns from a possible agreement between Trump and
Russia, which might result in settlements that don't serve the interest of
Iran and its objectives in Syria.
Tehran is aware that Assad's approval or disapproval of such an agreement has
no value.
Iran made this statement now to tell Russians and Americans that it can't but
be part of any settlement.
Therefore, the purpose of Iran announcing that the number of killed Iranian
fighters in Syria exceeded one thousand is to stress that Tehran has a
presence in Syria and has offered sacrifices that can't be neglected.
The Financial Times newspaper revealed in a report that the Shi'ite forces,
affiliated to Iran, range between 15,000 and 25,000 in Syria from Iranian,
Iraqi, Lebanese and Afghan nationalities. Shi'ite forces are equal to that of
the Sunni extremist fighters there (25,000).
However, the number of Sunni fighters is declining because of the war against
ISIS and terrorism in general.
Tariq Alhomayed is the former editor-in-chief of Asharq Al-Awsat. Mr.
Alhomyed has been a guest analyst and commentator on numerous news and current
affair programs, and during his distinguished career has held numerous
positions at Asharq Al-Awsat, amongst other newspapers. Notably, he was the
first journalist to interview Osama Bin Ladin's mother. Mr. Alhomayed holds a
bachelor's degree in media studies from King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah.
He is based in London.
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EsinIslam.Com
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