SOHR: Pro-Iranian forces enter Shahba following Russian withdrawal

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), citing sources from the northern Aleppo countryside, said that with the early hours of the morning, a military column belonging to pro-Iranian groups entered Shahba area, north of Aleppo: it included heavy and medium weapons and military and logistical equipment.

According to the sources, the main purpose of the troop entry is to secure a line of protection for the towns of Nobul and Zahra, which are inhabited by Shiite citizens, and Iranian entry comes hours after the Russian withdrawal from points in Shahba area.

Yesterday, the Syrian Observatory monitored convoys of the Russian forces setting off from Tel Rifaat and Kashtaar bases in the northern countryside of Aleppo towards Aleppo city.

According to the observatory, Russian forces withdrew their military equipment and vehicles from the bases in Tel Rifaat and Kashtaar, as well as the departure of Russian armored vehicles from Shahba area, and Russian forces have not issued clarifications yet.

J.O