Iranian-backed militias crossed into Syria from Iraq overnight, aiming to reinforce the Syrian army’s forces in the north as they confront insurgents, according to two sources from the Syrian army.

A senior Syrian army official informed Reuters that numerous fighters from the Iran-aligned Iraqi Hashd al Shaabi entered Syria via a military route near the Al Bukamal crossing.

“These are new reinforcements being dispatched to support our comrades on the northern front,” the officer stated, noting that the militias included groups such as Iraq’s Katiab Hezbollah and Fatemiyoun.

Throughout the Syrian war, Iran has deployed thousands of Shi’ite militias to Syria, and in conjunction with Russian air support, has helped Syrian President Bashar Assad suppress the insurgency and reclaim much of his territory.

The recent absence of sufficient manpower to counter the rebel offensive has been a factor in the rapid retreat of Syrian army forces and their withdrawal from Aleppo city, as reported by two additional army sources.

Iran-aligned militias, particularly Hezbollah, maintain a significant presence in the Aleppo region.

In recent months, Israel has intensified its strikes on Iranian installations in Syria while also conducting operations in Lebanon, claiming these actions have diminished Hezbollah’s military strength.