Why is Iran allying itself with Syrian tribal brigade in Aleppo?
A group of Iranian clerics visited the headquarters of the Baqir Brigade, Iran's ally, in the city of Aleppo. The brigade has played a major role in curbing Russian influence in Aleppo in favor of Iran.
Over the past few days, Iranian clerics have visited the headquarters of the Baqir Brigade in Aleppo.
The Baqir Brigade is a tribal militia loyal to the Syrian government that was established in 2012 and whose members mainly belong to the Bakara tribe. The brigade includes several military battalions spread in the provinces of Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor. Hundreds of its newly joined members underwent training in Iran in special camps run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to media sources who spoke to Al-Monitor, the Iranian clerics said during their meeting with the brigade's leaders that their visit aimed to give religious lessons to the brigade's members, under direct orders from the IRGC leadership.
The sources noted that the Iranian delegation assigned Faisal Allawi, a leader of the Baqir Brigade, with the task of opening a school and appointing teachers to teach children about the Shiite faith. Students will also benefit from financial rewards and scholarships in Shiite seminaries in Iran, the sources added.
