Iranian Commanders Trained Militias In Syria's Deir Al-Zour To Use Iran-Made Drones; Distributed Drones, Rockets Throughout The Governorate In 'State Of Alert'

The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here. 

On December 28, 2023, the Syrian opposition Eye of Euphrates website reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) trained militias in Albukamal, Syria, to use Iran-made drones.[1] The training exercises came as Iran-backed militias have also dispersed various weapons systems throughout Deir Al-Zour Governorate.

IRGC, PMU Trains Syrian Affiliates In Use Of Iran-Made Drones

The Eye of the Euphrates' website states that, according to its exclusive sources, throughout December the IRGC and Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) trained "local and foreign operatives" in Albukamal in the use of Iran-made Muhajir and Ababil drones. The drones were reportedly acquired from Iran by the PMF and Iran-backed militias, including the Hizbullah Brigades, the Imam Ali Brigades, and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, for the purpose of "striking military targets in Syria and Iraq."

IRGC and PMU commanders reportedly supervised the training exercises, which Eye of Euphrates noted, included "the launch of five drones." Among the commanders present, the report listed the IRGC commander in Albukamal, "Hajj Abbas," and his deputy, "Hajj Sajjad."

Iran-Backed Militias Manufacturing Portable Launchpads For Drones, To Evade Surveillance Detection

In Al-Mayadin, Syria, Iran-backed militias have also manufactured portable launchpads for drones, the report said. The launchpads are reportedly fixed to 4-by-4 vehicles, in order to evade surveillance detection and to enable the militias greater freedom of movement to conduct attacks.

Eye of Euphrates added that the IRGC also transferred "large shipments of weapons" to its headquarters in Al-Mayadin, including Iranian-made surface-to-surface missiles. The shipments were reportedly accompanied by "experts and commanders specializing in rocket launches" from the Pakistani Zainebiyoun and Afghan Fatemiyoun Brigades.

In "State Of Alert," Iran-Backed Militias Distribute Suicide Drones, Rockets, Across Deir Al-Zour

The maneuvers come at a time when the IRGC has been in a "state of alert," the article stated. IRGC commanders, Syrian security, and military officials, and local militia leaders in Deir Al-Zour have held meetings in past days "to coordinate rocket attacks against areas east of the Euphrates."

Additionally, a December 26 Eye of Euphrates article[2] reported that Iran's IRGC dispatched ten trucks loaded with weapons, including suicide drones and rockets, from the Al-Shu'ayrat Airbase, southeast of Homs, to various parts of the Deir Al-Zour governorate. The weapons were reportedly distributed to several positions, including Hawijat Sakr, on the outskirts of Deir Al-Zour city; the Al-Rahbah fortress near Al-Mayadin; and in Al-Salehiyah and Al-Duwayr villages near SDF-controlled areas.

According to sources quoted in the article, the trucks were transported under the protection of Iran-backed militias and alongside trucks containing food, in order to camouflage them from Israeli and U.S. coalition strikes. The outlet also published a 30-second video reportedly documenting the trucks in transit.