Iraqi militias and Russian jets help Assad fight rebels

Hundreds of fighters from Iran-backed Iraqi militias have crossed into Syria to help the regime of Bashar al-Assad fight off an insurgency across much of the northwest of the country, which has seen the seizure of the country’s second city, Aleppo.

- BEL TREW

The Syrian government, meanwhile, said Syrian and Russian air forces were striking rebel-held positions in the countryside east of Aleppo. The government said the military was working to secure a string of towns that runs along the front line north of Hama, between Aleppo and Damascus.

A Syrian army source told reporters that the Iran-backed militias “are fresh reinforcements being sent to aid our comrades on the front lines in the north”. Iran’s constellation of allied militias, which have long proved useful to Assad, have maintained bases in Syria.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said yesterday that Syria’s military was capable of confronting the rebels but, referring to the regional militia groups Tehran backs, he added that “groups will help and Iran will provide any support needed”.

The White Helmets rescue organisation and residents of rebelheld areas in the north said warplanes had hit residential areas of Aleppo city and a displaced people’s camp in Idlib province, where seven people were killed, including five children.