What countries are involved in the Syrian civil war?
The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has become one of the most complex and protracted conflicts in recent history. The involvement of various countries has further complicated the situation, with many nations having their own interests and agendas at stake. This article will explore the key countries that have been directly or indirectly involved in the Syrian civil war.
1. Syria’s Regime and its Allies:
The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been the primary target of the uprising. The Assad regime has received support from several countries, including:
– Iran: Iran has been a strong ally of Syria throughout the conflict, providing military aid, intelligence support, and political backing. Iran’s presence in Syria has been particularly notable in the form of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), which has played a significant role in the conflict.
– Hezbollah: The Lebanese Shia militia Hezbollah has also provided military assistance to the Syrian regime, including ground troops, advisors, and training. Hezbollah’s involvement in Syria has been a major point of contention between Lebanon and Israel.
– Russia: Russia’s intervention in the Syrian civil war in 2015 has been a pivotal factor. Moscow has provided the Assad regime with military support, including air strikes, advanced weaponry, and military advisors. Russia’s involvement has helped to turn the tide in favor of the regime.
2. Rebel Groups and Their Allies:
Opposing the Assad regime are various rebel groups, including:
– Free Syrian Army (FSA): The FSA is a loose coalition of Syrian opposition forces that seeks to overthrow the Assad regime. It has received support from several countries, including the United States, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
– Islamic State (IS): Although the Islamic State was defeated in 2019, it played a significant role in the early stages of the conflict. The group sought to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region and received support from various jihadist organizations.
– Al-Qaeda Affiliates: Various Al-Qaeda affiliated groups have been active in Syria, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Nusra Front. These groups have received support from various jihadist networks and individuals.
3. Regional Powers:
The Syrian civil war has also involved several regional powers, each with their own interests:
– Israel: Israel has conducted numerous air strikes against Syrian targets, including Hezbollah positions and suspected Iranian military installations. Israel’s main concern is the growing Iranian presence in Syria.
– Turkey: Turkey has been a key player in the conflict, primarily due to its concerns over the rise of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria. Turkey views the YPG as a terrorist organization and has launched military operations against Kurdish forces in the region.
– Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE): These two countries have provided financial and military support to various rebel groups in Syria, aiming to oust the Assad regime and weaken Iran’s influence in the region.
In conclusion, the Syrian civil war has involved a multitude of countries with diverse interests and objectives. The complex nature of the conflict has made it difficult to find a lasting solution, and the involvement of various external actors has only exacerbated the situation.
