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Iranian-backed forces have deployed reinforcements on the frontlines with Turkish-occupied areas in northern Aleppo, the pro-opposition Qasioun News reported on September 7.
According to the news outlet, Iranian-backed units were deployed in the town of Marnaz and the nearby Minaq airbase, which are located a few meters away from the so-called Euphrates Shield (ES) region.
“The pro-Iranian al-Rassoul al-Azam militia sent military vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APCs) to Minaq airbase and the town of Marnaz, the closest points to the opposition-held area of Azaz,” the outlet reported, citing local sources.
Maraanaz and Minaq airbase are jointly controlled by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). Several units of the Russian Military Police are also deployed near the two locations.
Earlier this month, the SAA reinforced its positions west and north of Aleppo’s city center. Several reports said that the army is preparing for a military operation.
The deployment of Iranian-backed forces in northern Aleppo could be aimed at preventing ES forces from intervening, in case the SAA launched a military operation in the western countryside of the governorate.
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