A large Russian army convoy arrived in Deir al-Zor province and forces deployed there • The move comes alongside reports of growing tension between the pro-Iranian and Russian militias
The Russian convoy near Deir a-Zor
Further evidence of tensions between Iran and Russia in Syria? A Russian military convoy of sixty vehicles and dozens of soldiers arrived in Deir al-Zor province and troops deployed near the pro-Iranian militia bases in the region, the Saudi daily London-based A-Sharq Al Awsat reported Sunday.
The move, which is considered large in relation to the deployment of Russian forces in Syria, is puzzling as there is no significant presence or threat of the rebels in the region. Local news site "Deir a-Zor 24" reported that it is during a call to sign pro-Iranian militias in the region that the absolute rule in the Iraqi border region is nearing its end.
The convoy included about 30 heavy trucks, 30 reconnaissance vehicles and an unknown amount of cannon. The amount of supplies that came along with the Russian force probably indicates an intention to stay in the area for some time and indeed the forces were observed as they deployed at a military base of the regime near the city of Deir a-Zor.
Last week, the news site reported clashes between Assad regime and pro-Iranian militias over control of the Syrian-Iraq border crossing, clashes that turned violent and even included an exchange of fire. It was also reported last week that the Revolutionary Guardsmen prevented a Syrian militia affiliated with the Russians from establishing a headquarters in the city of Bochmal, located near the border.
Revolutionary Guardsmen built a special border crossing for militias and a special cargo transported by the organization and even established a large base called "Imam Ali", near the Iraqi border, for the purpose of absorbing and storing Iraqi militiamen and weapons. However, the pro-Iranian militias on both sides of the border are also using the usual goods passage to fund their activities, a move that has angered Assad regime officials and the Baghdad authorities.
