Syria’s civil war is a complicated conflict with President Assad, rebel groups, and countries like Iran and the US, changing their support and goals.
Background of the Conflict
The Syrian civil war, starting in 2011, has been a long and complicated conflict that has split the country and drawn in many outside players.
It began as part of the larger Arab Spring movements but quickly turned into a harsh and divided war with many groups and changing loyalties.
The main reason for the war was opposition to President Bashar al-Assad’s strict rule.
Early protests were violently suppressed, leading to more violence and the rise of rebel groups.
As the war went on, more groups formed, each with their own power and support.
Iran has been a key supporter of Assad’s government, wanting to keep its influence in the area and protect its interests, especially by giving military help and supporting Iranian militias.
This has made the Syrian government stronger in many places.
On the other hand, groups backed by the U.S. have also formed, mainly to fight against ISIS and reduce the power of Assad and Iran.
The U.S. has helped these groups by giving them military support, training, and sometimes even fighting with them.
Important events that have led to the current situation include the breaking apart of Syria, big battles like those in Aleppo and Raqqa & the involvement of different international groups.
This has resulted in a situation where different countries control parts of Syria, each with its own goals.
To understand the current situation in Eastern Syria, where Iran-backed and Syrian government forces are attacking U.S.-backed fighters, it’s important to know the history of the conflict and the global interests at play.
📰 Daesh terrorists in Syria's Badia desert killed 8 people, including 2 civilians. As per @syriahr, attack targeted pro-government fighters searching for kidnapped shepherd, who was one of the 2 civilians killed. https://t.co/Hhtz5kVDQu
— SawabCenter (@SawabCenter) July 5, 2024
Attacks
The conflict in eastern Syria has worsened as Iran-backed fighters and Syrian government forces have increased their attacks on U.S.-supported areas.
This started in early September with coordinated strikes on important places like oil fields and military bases in Deir ez-Zor.
The fighting has mainly targeted key towns and villages near the Euphrates River, with major battles in Hajin, Al-Baghuz, and Abu Kamal.
The fighting includes artillery, airstrikes, and ground attacks, showing a strong and varied attack strategy.
The conflict has caused a lot of harm to people.
Reports show that many civilians have been killed or injured because of random shelling and air strikes.
Also, thousands of people have had to leave their homes, making the situation worse for those already suffering.
The fighting has shown the complicated relationships and rivalries in Eastern Syria.
Iran-backed groups, like the PMF, are working with Syrian government forces against the U.S.-supported Kurdish-led SDF.
This shows that the conflict is influenced by larger regional and global powers with different goals.
Outcomes
The recent attacks in Eastern Syria by Iran-backed and Syrian government forces against U.S.-backed fighters have sparked different reactions from the international community.
Many countries quickly criticized the violence, calling for calm and a focus on peaceful talks.
The U.S. supported its allies but also warned of possible retaliation and called for an end to fighting.
International groups like the UN and NATO were also concerned, with the UN urging all sides to follow international law and protect civilians, and NATO emphasizing the need for a peaceful solution and stability in the area.
Human rights organizations criticized the attacks and called for investigations and accountability, as well as more aid and protection for affected people.
Diplomatic efforts could lead to a settlement or at least a decrease in violence, with peace talks being a possibility.
However, without an agreement, the conflict might continue or even worsen, with outside involvement increasing the risk of a larger regional conflict.
The future of the conflict depends on the international community’s ability to encourage peaceful solutions and consequences for aggression.
