Iran’s agents coming under attack in Syria

Ali Rajab

Violence and assassinations are increasing in Deir ez-Zur, near Syria’s border with Iraq. This is viewed as signaling the return of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to activity, following a slump that served the interests of Turkey only.

A recruitment commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corpse narrowly escaped an attempt on his life in eastern Deir ez-Zur recently after unidentified people planted an explosive device under his car.

The device went off exactly when the commander left his car on the road to his office, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

It said the Iranian commander manages a number of farming projects in the area.

The commander of what is known as al-Abbas Brigade, which is affiliated to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corpse, Adnan Abu Abbas, 35, was also the target of an assassination attempt in recent days.

Abbas hails from the eastern Syrian city of Mayadeen. He worked as a grocer before joining the Iranian militia and amassing a huge wealth.

He works for Iran and runs a number of projects in this capacity, the observatory said.

Between March and October this year, over 869 Syrian soldiers and allied militia members were killed in Deir ez-Zur, according to the observatory.

It said those killed included two Russians, along with 14o Iranian militia members.

According to some Syrian opposition activists, Iran controls seven towns in the eastern part of Syria.

The area controlled by Iran extends from the Euphrates to Deir ez-Zur, the activists said.

They added that Iran also deploys over 4,500 militants in the same area.