Iranian-backed forces are massing around Deir Ezzor city
On August 1, Russia’s Presidential Special Envoy to Syria Alexander Lavrentyev said that Iranian forces have withdrawn their heavy weapons to a distance of 85km from the occupied Golan Heights.
“The Iranians withdrew and the Shi’ite formations are not there,” TASS news agency quoted Lavrentiev as saying.
Lavrentyev added that some Iranian military advisors could be among the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) units near the separation line with the occupied Golan Heights. However, he stressed that no heavy weapons that could pose a threat to Israel at a distance of 85km from the line.
“We have reached stability and security in most regions, from Homs to Palmyra… and other areas where terror was established with logistical and financial support over seven and a half years ago,” Lavrentiev said.
This week, the SAA imposed control of the southern governorates of Daraa and al-Quneitra after a successful large-scale military operation against radical militants there.
During the recent months, several sources reported that Russia and Israel are negotiating a deal that would force Iran to withdraw its troops away from the separation line. While senior Israeli officials said that they would only accept a full Iranian withdrawal from Syria, Lavrentiev’s statement reveals that Israel has settled for less.
