Armed groups linked to Iraq's Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) have entered Syria to support the Syrian army in its fight against rebels in Aleppo and nearby areas, Al Sharq Al Awsat cited circulating reports on December 2. However, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior denied such reports. 

The number of areas controlled by Syrian opposition forces in Hama province increased from 12 to 16 by December 2 evening, following recent advances in Idlib and Aleppo provinces. This comes as part of a military operation launched days ago by Syrian opposition forces against Syrian army troops and Iranian-backed armed factions, demanding their withdrawal from the region.

Late on December 2, opposition forces seized control of Jalma, Bridej, Jubain, Tel Melh, Karkat, Al-Mughayr, Al-Mubtein, Al-Zakat, Um Tweina, Bab Al-Taqa, Al-Huwaiz, and Al-Sharia in the Al-Ghab Plain area of rural Hama.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, nearly 200 fighters from Iraqi armed groups crossed into Syria overnight using the strategic Al-Bukamal crossing. They are expected to deploy in Aleppo to support the Syrian army’s counter-offensive against Syrian rebel factions.

The conflict in northern Syria has intensified, with the Syrian army and its allies experiencing setbacks in Aleppo while strengthening their defences in northern Hama. Joint Syrian-Russian airstrikes have escalated, focusing on the armed groups' positions.

According to two Syrian military sources, on December 2, Iranian-aligned factions entered Syria from Iraq to assist the Syrian army in its fight against armed rebel groups.

A senior Syrian army official confirmed that dozens of fighters from Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), allied with Iran, also crossed into Syria via a military route near the Al-Bukamal crossing. He identified the fighters as members of groups including Iraq’s Kata'ib Hezbollah and the Fatemiyoun Brigade. 

Other military sources noted that the recent lack of manpower to counter the anti-government forces’ advances in recent days contributed to the swift retreat of Syrian army forces and their withdrawal from Aleppo.

The Iraqi government reaffirmed its steadfast support for Syria. It stressed the necessity of preserving regional security and stability while working to prevent the escalation of the conflict.

What's Happening in Syria?

Since November 27, armed opposition factions in Syria have been engaged in clashes with regime forces across several areas.

Opposition forces entered Aleppo on November 29, taking control of most city neighbourhoods and key locations, including the governorate building, police stations, and the historic Aleppo Citadel.

On November 30, they established complete control over Idlib province after capturing numerous positions in its countryside, including the cities of Maarat al-Numan and Khan Sheikhoun, as well as the strategic city of Saraqib.