Assad's Syria secretly directs military leaders to prepare to move to Yemen and Iraq in case his regime falls

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued secret directives to his military and senior security leaders to prepare for a possible move to countries like Yemen and Iraq in the event of the collapse of his regime in Syria.

This move is part of a strategic plan to maintain the regime's influence outside of Syria in case it comes under pressure that could lead to its downfall. Informed sources told Yemen Details.

The plan focuses on transferring senior officers to the influence zones of allies, especially in Yemen and Iraq, where Iran, Assad's main ally, wields strong influence. These directives aim to reshape the Syrian leadership to operate within friendly environments, such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard-backed Iraqi militias and the Houthis in Yemen. The sources said.

Syria's embattled government said Saturday it was setting up a ring of steel around Damascus, state media reported, as opposition forces on a lightning advance said they were bearing down on the city.

Analysts believe that this move comes amidst increasing fears within the Syrian regime of escalating international pressure and diminishing Russian support against the backdrop of regional and international developments. It also reflects concerns about scenarios of regime collapse, especially in light of the economic crises and internal challenges facing Damascus.

Reports indicate that Iran plays a major role in this plan, as the biggest guarantor of the continued influence of the Syrian-Iranian axis in the region. Yemen and Iraq are considered ideal locations to host Syrian military leaders due to the political and security chaos prevailing in both countries, facilitating the integration of these leaders within existing structures.

These potential moves raise widespread international concern, as they could lead to the strengthening of Iranian influence in the region and an increase in the complexity of security situations in Yemen and Iraq. In contrast, international and regional voices have called for close monitoring of these movements and taking preemptive steps to prevent the escalation of tensions.

So far, there has been no official comment from the Syrian regime or its allies regarding these reports.