Iran-backed Iraqi Militias Bolster Assad's Forces in Syria

Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have entered Syria to support the Assad government's counteroffensive against rebels in Aleppo. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports that around 200 Iraqi militiamen have crossed into Syria. Fighting continues in Aleppo and Idlib, with Syrian and Russian airstrikes targeting rebel positions. Iran has reiterated its support for Assad, while Western governments call for de-escalation. Meanwhile, Syrian Kurds are fleeing as Turkish-backed rebels advance.