Additional Coverage:
- A top Iranian general said Russia was actually bombing the empty desert while saying it was attacking Syrian rebels (newsbreak.com)
Iranian General Behrouz Esbati accused Russia of contributing to Bashar Assad’s downfall in Syria. Esbati claimed Russia misled Iran by bombing empty deserts instead of targeting Syrian rebels.
Esbati’s comments are notable as Russia is a close ally of Iran. His speech also revealed tensions between Iran and Syria due to Assad’s refusal to allow Iranian attacks on Israel through Syria.
Esbati’s allegations align with other reports suggesting that Russia’s resources were strained by the war in Ukraine, leading to reduced military assistance for Syria.
Meanwhile, a former aide to Assad has stated that Russian President Putin stalled military aid to Syria, despite Assad’s personal request. The failure of Moscow and Tehran to prevent Assad’s fall has significant implications for Russia’s military presence in the region.
Russia may be forced to withdraw equipment from its air and naval bases in Syria, as its previous agreements with Assad are now in question.