Iran Update, December 26, 2024

 

Iran Update, December 26, 2024

Siddhant Kishore, Carolyn Moorman, Alexandra Braverman, Andie Parry, Ria Reddy, Kelly Campa, Ben Rezaei, Avery Borens, and Brian Carter

Information Cutoff: 2:00pm ET

The December 26, 2024, Iran Update covers all events in the 48 hours between December 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET to December 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm ET.

The Critical Threats Project (CTP) at the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) publish the Iran Update, which provides insights into Iranian and Iranian-sponsored activities that undermine regional stability and threaten US forces and interests.

Click here to see CTP and ISW’s interactive map of Israeli ground operations, and here to see CTP and ISW’s interactive map of the ongoing opposition offensive in Syria. These maps are updated daily alongside the static maps present in this report.

We do not report in detail on war crimes because these activities are well-covered in Western media and do not directly affect the military operations we are assessing and forecasting. We utterly condemn violations of the laws of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions and crimes against humanity even though we do not describe them in these reports.

Several trends have placed Syria on a trajectory that is increasingly likely to lead to ethno-sectarian conflict. Social media reports have alleged that individuals affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS) have killed and kidnapped Alawites and other Syrians accused of being Assad regime officials.[1] These killings and kidnappings have taken place outside of formal and documented judicial processes, which may significantly heighten sectarian tension between the majority and empowered Sunni and the minority Alawites. Some of the Alawites targeted are almost certainly Assad regime officials who can and should be prosecuted for war crimes and crimes against humanity in fair and transparent tribunals. Failure to prosecute criminals fairly and transparently risks degrading community trust and encouraging tit-for-tat retaliatory violence between ethnic and sectarian groups.

The HTS-led government and transitional government leader Ahmed al Shara has attempted to assuage the Alawite's fears by highlighting the ways HTS and the interim government aims to protect minorities, but he has made only limited concrete, unambiguous steps.[2] The interim government has established a reconciliation program under which former regime elements are granted amnesty in exchange for disarmament and registering with the interim government.[3] The terms of this amnesty have not been publicly discussed, and the lists could be used by sectarian actors to target former regime elements in the coastal areas, who would be predominantly Alawite. The interim government began targeting “criminal gang leaders” who did not hand over weapons and settle with the interim government in Latakia on December 25.[4]

An old video surfaced on December 25 showing Sunni fighters desecrating a major Alawite shrine in Aleppo, which could increase Alawite fears.[5] The Interim Interior Ministry said that that the video was taken at least three weeks ago and that republishing such clips is intended to stir up strife among the Syrian people at this sensitive stage of government creation.[6] The original source of the Alawite shrine video remains unknown at this time. The video spurred Alawite demonstrations on December 25 in several Syrian cities.[7] Some reportedly pro-Assad protesters called for violence and other demonstrators used what at least one anti-Assad media outlet described as “sectarian language.“[8] Alawite community leaders in Latakia called for HTS-led security forces to establish security and disarm former regime elements amid the protests, which suggests genuine concern among community leaders about former regime activity.[9] The HTS-led military operations department sent military reinforcements to Homs, Hama, Damascus, and Latakia and imposed curfews in response to the unrest.[10] A violent HTS crackdown on protests in Alawite areas of Syria could dramatically accelerate sectarian tension and trigger serious violence. HTS has previously violently cracked down on protesters challenging Shara’s rule in Idlib. The newly appointed Syrian intelligence chief (see below) played a major role in that crackdown.[11]

Pro-Assad fighters separately “ambushed” and killed 14 HTS-led interior ministry officers in Khirbet al Maaza on December 26.[12]

Iran is also making remarks that risk stoking sectarian tension. Senior Iranian officials, including the supreme leader, have repeatedly suggested that the Syrian youth will “rise up” in Syria.[13] The Iranian supreme leader compared these “Syrian youth” to the Iraqi militia groups that systematically hunted down and killed Sunni civilians in Baghdad as part of a campaign of sectarian cleansing in Iraq.[14] Core HTS fighters from Jabhat al Nusra and al Qaeda in Iraq, like Shara, are intimately familiar with the Iraqi context and would presumably read “Syrian youth” as a much more sectarian call than it immediately appears. Sectarian Iranian remarks would provide an opening for Sunni sectarian elements in Syria to portray all Alawites and Shia as pro-Iranian proxies to justify a violent crackdown.

Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Hassan al Shaibani responded to these Iranian statements. He warned Iran against “spreading chaos in Syria” and stated that Syria will hold Iran “accountable for the repercussions of [its] latest remarks,” likely referring to ongoing rhetoric from senior Iranian officials suggesting that Syrian youth will “rise up” in Syria.[15]

The HTS-led interim government appointed former al Qaeda in Iraq and Jabhat al Nusra member Anas Hasan Khattab as head of the General Intelligence Service on December 26.[16] Khattab helped found HTS predecessor and al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al Nusra and served as Shara's deputy commander in HTS.[17] Khattab was presumably a member of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), given that Jabhat al Nusra was an outgrowth of AQI. The United States and UN sanctioned Khattab in 2012 and 2014, respectively, for his association with AQI.[18] Khattab’s appointment is consistent with the HTS-led interim governments’ appointment of key HTS allies and loyalists to ministerial positions.[19]

The Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) engaged the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in contested territory southeast of Manbij and likely pushed SDF forces east towards Tishreen Dam. The SDF recently launched a counteroffensive to regain ground seized by the SNA in the Manbij countryside.[20] SDF spokesperson told Western media on December 24 that SDF fighters had advanced about 11 kilometers away from Manbij.[21] The SDF reported that it defended against several SNA attacks on Tishreen Dam and its surrounding villages and that its forces killed nine SNA fighters and destroyed three armored vehicles in operations since December 24.[22] Local sources reported SNA forces pushed the SDF east towards the dam amid intermittent skirmishes in villages east of Manbij.[23] The Turkish Ministry of Defense claimed on December 26 that the SNA took control of the Tishreen Dam, but SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami posted a video of himself at the dam to refute Turkish claims.[24]

Syrian media reported that the SDF advanced on a new axis into SNA-controlled territory east of Aleppo, likely to relieve pressure on the Tishreen Dam area by forcing the SNA to redeploy its forces to respond to a new threat. Syrian journalists and social media users reported on December 23 and 24 that the SDF advanced from SDF-controlled territory towards Deir Hafer.[25] Deir Hafer is a Syrian city along the M4 highway between SDF-controlled territory and Aleppo City, which is currently controlled by Syrian opposition factions. CTP-ISW cannot confirm local reporting about the SDF’s westward advance. Syrian sources reported that the SDF clashed with SNA forces in Kayarieh, north of Deir Hafer, on December 26.[26] Multiple Syrian sources also reported that the SDF secured a water treatment plant south of Kfahsah and clashed with SNA forces in the vicinity of the treatment plant.[27] An Aleppo-based channel reported that one of the water plant’s workers was killed amid the clashes.[28] The Kfahsah plant provides a critical water supply to Aleppo City.[29]

The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced in a statement on December 26 that Turkey supports a “unified Syrian army,” likely referring to a Syrian army that excludes the SDF.[30] The Turkish statement references the HTS-led interim government’s plan to dissolve Syria’s armed factions into a Syrian armed forces under the Syrian Defense Ministry.[31] Turkey’s support for a ”unified Syrian army” likely refers to an army that does not include the SDF.[32] Shara has met extensively in recent days with SNA elements to negotiate the absorption of these factions into the new Syrian armed forces but has yet to meet with SDF leadership.[33] CTP-ISW has assessed that Turkey and the HTS-led government are attempting to coerce the SDF into disarming and integrating into an HTS-led armed forces.

The pro-Iran Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) director implied to HTS leader Ahmad al Shara on December 26 that Iraq would consider intervening or allowing Iraqi militias to intervene in Syria if unspecified instability threatened Iraq.[34] INIS Director Hamid Shatri's meeting with Shara is the first meeting between Iraqi government representatives and the HTS-led government since the Assad regime fell on December 8. An “informed [Iraqi] governmental source” told Iraqi media on December 26 that Shatri confirmed that Iranian-backed Iraqi militias would not “interfere” in Syria if Syrian armed groups do not threaten Iraqi stability.[35] It is unclear which precise issue Iraq would define as a threat to its stability, and what armed groups it sees as particularly threatening other than ISIS.[36] Shatri, who is close to Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces head Faleh al Fayyadh and Hadi al Ameri, might mean HTS itself. Shatri and his pro-Iranian allies, including the Badr Organization, fought Ahmed Shara and al Qaeda in Iraq in the 2000s in Iraq. Shatri also expressed the Iraqi government’s concerns of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) elements escaping from SDF detention and threatening Iraq.[37] Shatri is implying that Iraqi militias could intervene if “Syrian armed groups” cross certain unspecified redlines, which is almost certainly a threat towards Shara and HTS.

The IDF continued to operate in villages in Quneitra and Daraa Provinces. Several groups of Syrians protested the IDF presence near Swisah, Quneitra Province, approximately 3 kilometers east of the disengagement zone.[38] The IDF, after instructing the protesters not to approach the IDF forces operating in the area, fired shots to disperse the protesters.[39] Syrian media reported that the IDF injured four Syrian civilians, including one child, near Swisah village.[40] The IDF stated it is investigating the casualties.[41] A separate Syrian outlet reported that the IDF withdrew from Swisah towards Diwaya al Kabira, Quneitra Province, after injuring seven civilians.[42] Syrian media separately reported on December 26 that the IDF withdrew from several towns in western Daraa province, including six towns in the Yarmouk Basin.[43] CTP-ISW cannot independently verify that the IDF withdrew from this area at this time.

The IDF conducted airstrikes targeting port and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on December 26. The IDF struck the Houthi sites in Sanaa and Hudaydah provinces in response to persistent Houthi drone and missile attacks against Israel.[44] The IDF targeted the Sanaa International Airport and Heyzaz power station in Sanaa.[45] The IDF also struck Ras Katib power station, Hudaydah Port, al Salif Port, and Ras Issa Oil Facility in Hudaydah province.[46] The Houthis use Hudaydah Port as a logistical hub to facilitate the movement of Iranian officials and Iran’s weapons shipments across the region. The IDF previously struck most of these Houthi positions on December 18.[47]

The Houthis claimed three missile and drone attacks targeting southern and central Israel since CTP-ISW's last data cut-off on December 24.[48] The Houthis claimed a drone attack targeting Ashkelon industrial zone in southern Israel on December 25.[49] The IDF reported that the drone fell in an open area in southern Israel.[50]

Key Takeaways:

• Conflict in Syria: Several trends have placed Syria on a trajectory that is increasingly likely to lead to ethno-sectarian conflict. There is already an ongoing ethnic conflict between the Kurdish-majority Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). These trends include killings, arrests, and kidnappings that appear to occur outside of a transparent judicial process for trying war criminals, provocative protests and sectarian imagery on social media, and Iranian provocation.
• HTS Government Formation: The HTS-led interim government appointed former al Qaeda in Iraq and Jabhat al Nusra member Anas Hasan Khattab as head of the General Intelligence Service on December 26.
• SNA-SDF Fighting: The Turkish-backed SNA engaged the US-backed SDF in contested territory southeast of Manbij and likely pushed SDF forces east towards Tishreen Dam. Syrian media reported that the SDF advanced on a new axis into SNA-controlled territory east of Aleppo, likely to relieve pressure on the Tishreen Dam area by forcing the SNA to redeploy its forces to respond to a new threat.
• Turkey: The Turkish Ministry of Defense announced in a statement on December 26 that Turkey supports a “unified Syrian army,” likely referring to a Syrian army that excludes the SDF.
• Iraq in Syria: The pro-Iran Iraqi National Intelligence Service director implied to HTS leader Ahmad al Shara on December 26 that Iraq would consider intervening or allowing Iraqi militias to intervene in Syria if unspecified instability threatened Iraq.
• Israel in Syria: The IDF continued to operate in villages in Quneitra and Daraa Provinces.
• Yemen: The IDF conducted airstrikes targeting port and energy infrastructure in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen on December 26.

Gaza Strip:

Axis of Resistance objectives:

• Erode the will of the Israeli political establishment and public to sustain clearing operations in the Gaza Strip
• Reestablish Hamas as the governing authority in the Gaza Strip

The 401st Armored Brigade (162nd Division) located and destroyed a two-kilometer-long Hamas tunnel in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, last week.[51] The IDF reported that the tunnel was “dozens of meters deep” and Hamas fighters lived in the tunnel. The IDF separately located and destroyed Hamas weapons, vests, military uniforms, and an explosive manufacturing facility while conducting clearing operations in Jabalia. Commercially available satellite imagery obtained on December 25 showed that the IDF expanded clearing operations on the outskirts of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.

Palestinian militias claimed two attacks targeting Israeli forces in the Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, since CTP-ISW's last data cut off on December 24.[52]

The IDF reported on December 25 and 26 that it killed several Hamas fighters via airstrikes in Gaza City.[53] The IDF conducted an airstrike that killed a Hamas fighter in western Gaza City.[54] The IDF separately conducted an airstrike targeting a member of Hamas’ Gaza City Brigade and a Hamas Nukhba Force fighter in the Gaza Strip.[55] These two Hamas fighters fired snipers at Israeli soldiers and moved improvised explosive devices (IED) across the Gaza Strip, according to the IDF.[56] The IDF stated that it took steps to reduce the risk of civilian casualties by using precision munitions and aerial imagery before the airstrikes.[57] Hamas fired small arms targeting Israeli soldiers along the Netzarim Corridor.[58]

The IDF conducted an airstrike that killed five Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on December 25.[59] Palestinian media reported the individuals were journalists, but the IDF published a captured document that showed four of the five were PIJ fighters. The IDF also said that the fifth individual was a PIJ fighter. The men served as training, recruitment, and security officers in PIJ’s military wing.[60]

The IDF reported on December 26 that Palestinian militias killed an IDF reservist in the central Gaza Strip.[61]

The IDF reported on December 26 that its 143rd Division located and destroyed a two-kilometer-long tunnel that connected the central and southern Gaza Strip in recent weeks.[62] The tunnel system was located 100 meters away from the Israel-Gaza Strip boundary and contained exit shafts rigged with explosives, according to an Israeli Army Radio correspondent.[63] The IDF also destroyed a Palestinian militia cell that was positioned to defend the tunnel by detonating IEDs and attacking Israeli soldiers as they cleared and secured the area around the tunnel. [64]

The IDF reported on December 25 that it conducted an airstrike that killed a Hamas fighter in the al Mawasi Humanitarian Zone in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.[65] The IDF stated that it took steps to reduce civilian casualties before the airstrike.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz visited the Philadelphi Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip on December 25 and said that security control of the Gaza Strip will “remain in the hands of the IDF.”[66] Katz visited the Strip after Hamas again rejected a ceasefire proposal.[67]

West Bank

Axis of Resistance objectives:

•  Establish the West Bank as a viable front against Israel

Israeli forces concluded a two-day “brigade-wide” counterterrorism operation in Tulkarm on December 26.[68] Israeli forces killed the new al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigade in Tulkarm commander, Qazi Amin Ibrahim Akasha.[69] The IDF reported that Akasha replaced former al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades commander in Tulkarm Tarek Dosh after the IDF killed Dosh in an operation on December 19.[70] The al Aqsa Martyrs‘ Brigades released a statement mourning six additional fighters and PIJ released a separate statement mourning the loss of one fighter during the fighting.[71] Israeli forces killed two Palestinian fighters in close-quarters combat, confiscated weapons, arrested several individuals, and destroyed ”dozens” of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Tulkarm.[72] Palestinian fighters moderately injured IDF 431st Territorial Brigade commander Colonel Ayoub Kayuf by detonating an IED targeting Kayuf’s vehicle during IDF operations in Tulkarm on December 24.[73] The IDF conducted drone strikes targeting Palestinian fighters in the Tulkarm refugee camp and the nearby Nour Shams refugee camp on December 25.[74] An Israeli Army Radio correspondent reported that the IDF killed two ”uninvolved Palestinians” during the exchange of fire in the Tulkarm area.[75]

The IDF simultaneously conducted an operation in Nablus, approximately 32 kilometers southeast of Tulkarm, on December 25.[76] The IDF engaged Palestinian fighters who surrendered to the IDF. The IDF located weapons and military equipment in the building where the Palestinian fighters were previously operating.[77] Palestinian militias, including the al Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, engaged the IDF with small arms and IEDs in at least two locations in Nablus on December 25.[78] Israeli forces separately operated in the IDF 443rd Territorial Brigade (877th Division) area of responsibility, which includes Ramallah and the surrounding area, to arrest three individuals and confiscate weapons.[79]

Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces continued its operation against Palestinian militias to regain security control of Jenin.[80] The operation has lasted three weeks. Israeli media reported that "hundreds” of PA security forces are operating against Palestinian fighters in the Jenin refugee camp. Israeli media reported that Fatah, which controls the PA, launched a campaign in recent days to reestablish legitimacy with Palestinians.[81] This effort has included an information campaign, organizing demonstrations in the West Bank in support of Fatah, and banning al Jazeera from the West Bank after al Jazeera negatively covered PA operations in Jenin.[82]

Northern Israel and Lebanon

Lebanese Hezbollah objectives:

• End Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip
• Survive the October 7 War as a capable political and military organization with control over Lebanon

Hezbollah-affiliated media reported on December 25 that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) strengthened its presence in Khiam, southeastern Lebanon, by establishing five new checkpoints.[83] LAF engineering forces and bulldozers reportedly cleared debris in the area. The LAF and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) backfilled the IDF 7th Armored Brigade in Khiam after the brigade withdrew on December 11.[84]

Lebanese media reported that the IDF detonated explosives in Houla and Kfar Kila, southeastern Lebanon, since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on December 24.[85]

The LAF reported on December 26 that Israeli forces advanced further into Marjaayoun district, southeastern Lebanon, before reportedly withdrawing hours later, according to Hezbollah media.[86] The LAF reported that Israeli forces advanced into areas of Qantara, Adshit al Qusayr, and Wadi Hujayr. Hezbollah media reported on December 26 that Israeli forces retreated south towards Wadi al Saluqi, south of Qantara.[87] Lebanese media reported on December 26 that an Israeli bulldozer moved from Qantara to Wadi al Hujayr, causing the LAF to move a vehicle from a nearby checkpoint to Wadi al Hujayr.[88] Lebanese media reported on December 26 that UNIFIL command told the LAF that Israeli forces shot and arrested a Lebanese civilian passing through Wadi al Hujayr to work at the UNIFIL center in Odaisseh.[89] Geolocated footage posted on December 26 shows IDF armor blocking the Wadi al Saluqi road, south of Qantara.[90]

Lebanese media reported that the IDF detonated explosives in Yaroun and Maroun al Ras, southeastern Lebanon, since CTP-ISW's last data cutoff on December 24.[91] Lebanese media also reported that Israeli forces fired at a joint Lebanese Red Cross and UNIFIL patrol operating inside of Yaroun.[92] The patrol reportedly retreated towards Bint Jbeil, suggesting the IDF fired warning shots at the vehicles rather than shooting at the vehicles with the intent to destroy the convoy.

Lebanese media reported Israeli artillery shelling targeting Aita al Shaab, southwestern Lebanon, on December 26.[93]

Satellite imagery from December 25 showed terrain changes consistent with Israeli clearing operations northeast of Naqoura, southwestern Lebanon.

Satellite imagery from December 25 showed terrain changes consistent with Israeli clearing operations in Labbouneh, along the Lebanon-Israel border.

Lebanese, Hezbollah-affiliated, and Israeli media reported on December 24 that the IDF conducted its first airstrike targeting the Bekaa Valley region, in eastern Lebanon, since the ceasefire agreement went into effect on November 28.[94] Lebanese media reported that the IDF struck the Talya area.[95] An Israeli media correspondent reported that the strike may have targeted a weapons depot.[96] The IDF has not commented on the airstrike at the time of this writing.

An Israeli Army Radio correspondent reported on December 25 that the IDF has killed 44 Hezbollah fighters, conducted 25 airstrikes in Lebanon, and recorded 47 Hezbollah ceasefire violations since the ceasefire went into effect on November 28.[97] Lebanese media sources reported that the IDF has conducted at least 100 airstrikes in Lebanon since November 28.[98] The IDF also reported that it has destroyed 80% of Hezbollah’s rocket capabilities and seized over 85,000 weapons in Lebanon.[99] The IDF stated that it has killed a total of 3,800 Hezbollah fighters, including 2,762 fighters since the start of its ground operations on October 1.[100]

The LAF reported on December 26 that unknown gunmen in Syrian territory opened fire on an LAF patrol conducting a reconnaissance mission in the Wadi al Aswad area of eastern Lebanon.[101] The unknown gunmen fired at the LAF patrol, injuring one LAF soldier.[102] The LAF stated that it has implemented unspecified “strict security measures” and is investigating the incident.[103]

UNIFIL said on December 26 that it is concerned by IDF activities that are destroying residential and agricultural areas and road infrastructure in southern Lebanon[104] UNIFIL stated that these activities are violations of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.[105]

Iran and the Axis of Resistance

Lebanese media reported on December 24 that the new Syrian government is "preparing” to demand that Iran pay 300 billion US dollars in reparations to Syria. The Syrian memo will charge Iran for its "criminal and arbitrary policies" against the Syrian people while supporting the Assad regime, citing an unspecified source close to the new Syrian government.[106] The source added that communication with Iran has been "completely cut off," likely in response to the Iranian regime’s announcement that Iran and Syria are prepared to reopen their embassies.[107]

Iranian Artesh Navy Commander Admiral Shahram Irani said that Iran and Pakistan aim to strengthen defense diplomacy and enhance maritime cooperation after the Pakistani Peace and Friendship Fleet docked at Bandar Abbas, Iran.[108] Irani stated that Iran and Pakistan plan joint naval exercises and the establishment of a security center in the northern Indian Ocean.[109]

A Belarusian Army delegation visited the Iranian Artesh marine training center in Manjil, Gilan Province, on December 25 to observe specialized training programs.[110] Commander of the Manjil Marine and Commando Training Center, Colonel Mohammadreza Kiani highlighted the advanced capabilities and combat readiness of Iran’s marine forces.[111]

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) intelligence organization arrested an individual in Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran, on December 26 on charges of spying for “a neighboring country.”[112] IRGC handed the suspect over to judicial authorities for further investigation.[113]

CTP-ISW defines the “Axis of Resistance” as the unconventional alliance that Iran has cultivated in the Middle East since the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979. This transnational coalition is comprised of state, semi-state, and non-state actors that cooperate to secure their collective interests. Tehran considers itself to be both part of the alliance and its leader. Iran furnishes these groups with varying levels of financial, military, and political support in exchange for some degree of influence or control over their actions. Some are traditional proxies that are highly responsive to Iranian direction, while others are partners over which Iran exerts more limited influence. Members of the Axis of Resistance are united by their grand strategic objectives, which include eroding and eventually expelling American influence from the Middle East, destroying the Israeli state, or both. Pursuing these objectives and supporting the Axis of Resistance to those ends have become cornerstones of Iranian regional strategy.

[1] https://x.com/ramijarrah/status/1872322010103357554?s=46&t=EGYcIyXosW6lVJmixq2r5Q ; https://x.com/gregorypwaters/status/1867503458003378244?s=46&t=EGYcIyXosW6lVJmixq2r5Q ; https://x.com/RamiJarrah/status/1872390477171056712; https://x.com/GregoryPWaters/status/1872275846922457273

[2] https://t.me/Alatikya_city/247 ; https://x.com/DeirEzzore/status/1872255534898016617 ; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1872006233638801640

[3] https://t.me/Alatikya_city/125

[4] https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871817334635282907

[5] https://x.com/VeSyria/status/1871880510517252224

[6] https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871966311099879432 ; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871966314128134341 ; https://www dot enabbaladi.net/730964/%d9%88%d8%ac%d9%87%d8%a7%d8%a1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b7%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%81%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%88%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%86-%d8%a3%d8%a8%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%a1%d9%87%d8%a7-%d9%84/ ; https://t.me/Aleppo_sh/988

[7] https://x.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1871936057765413237 ; https://x.com/thiqanewsagency/status/1871970487997231549

[8] https://x.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1872000428826853687 ; https://x.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1872007262392500536 ; https://x.com/QalaatAlMudiq/status/1872018325611622898 ; https://x.com/clashreport/status/1872019957749588371 ; https://x.com/leventkemaI/status/1872024009275256846

[9] https://www.enabbaladi.net/730964/%d9%88%d8%ac%d9%87%d8%a7%d8%a1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b7%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%81%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%88%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%86-%d8%a3%d8%a8%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%a1%d9%87%d8%a7-%d9%84/

[10] https://www.enabbaladi.net/730964/%d9%88%d8%ac%d9%87%d8%a7%d8%a1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b7%d8%a7%d8%a6%d9%81%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%84%d9%88%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d8%af%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%86-%d8%a3%d8%a8%d9%86%d8%a7%d8%a1%d9%87%d8%a7-%d9%84/ ; https://t.me/The_Free_City_of_Homs/330 ; https://t.me/The_Free_City_of_Homs/334 ; https://x.com/thiqanewsagency/status/1871996674463432931 ; https://x.com/thiqanewsagency/status/1872212360196419690 ; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871977790058463574 ; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871983794364002338

[11] https://www.enabbaladi dot net/731176/%d8%b1%d8%a6%d9%8a%d8%b3-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%aa%d8%ae%d8%a8%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d8%a7%d9%85%d8%a9-%d8%a8%d8%b3%d9%88%d8%b1%d9%8a%d8%a7-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%87%d9%88-%d8%ae/

[12] https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871966311099879432 ; https://x.com/GregoryPWaters/status/1872307413896044722 ; https://x.com/aleamaliaat_ale/status/1872230297330421869 ; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1872052047383769584; https://x.com/SanaAjel/status/1871966319299719516

[13] https://x.com/ir_rezaee/status/1871995059127955749

[14] https://farsi.khamenei dot ir/news-content?id=58551 ; https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-december-11-2024#_edn3fd78ae79a459b254c35b34490f3c00441

[15] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/syrias-new-foreign-minister-tells-iran-not-spread-chaos-syria-2024-12-24/

[16] https://t.me/G_CSyriaa/126

[17] https://www.syria dot tv/%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%B3-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B1%D8%A6%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7?amp

[18] https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/anas-hasan-khattab ; https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/tg1797

[19] https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-december-16-2024

[20] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-24-2024; https://apnews.com/article/syria-kurds-turkey-sdf-manbij-kobani-84928d1755cc09c239fe00074291ff0f

[21] https://apnews.com/article/syria-kurds-turkey-sdf-manbij-kobani-84928d1755cc09c239fe00074291ff0f

[22] https://x.com/SiyamandAli/status/1871856596784980074; https://x.com/farhad_shami/status/1871925323941724352; https://x.com/SOHEB2019/status/1871904580600258987

[23] https://x.com/DeirEzzore/status/1872104488024355044; https://x.com/DeirEzzore/status/1872104467052826940

[24] https://x.com/farhad_shami/status/1872301162323693775; https://x.com/SOHEB2019/status/1872211924353679785

[25] https://x.com/syriahr/status/1871453779410997359; https://x.com/aljumhuriya_net/status/1871494209049678265

[26] https://x.com/SOHEB2019/status/1872270039145120134; https://x.com/syriahr/status/1871453779410997359

[27] https://x.com/HalabTodayTV/status/1872182592323088466; https://x.com/hebunor/status/1871364483098288319

[28] https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/posts/999087988909760/

[29] https://www.facebook.com/HalabTodayTV/posts/999087988909760/; https://www.facebook.com/ICRCarabic/videos/%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%B7%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AE%D9%81%D8%B3%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9/257167170250728/

[30] https://www.yenisafak dot com/en/news/turkiye-prioritizes-defense-cooperation-with-new-syrian-administration-3696296

[31] https://t.me/G_CSyriaa/116

[32] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-22-2024; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-23-2024

[33] https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-december-23-2024

[34] https://x.com/thiqanewsagency/status/1872225296843247655 ; https://shafaq dot com/ar/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%81%D9%82-%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B7%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B4%D9%82

[35] https://shafaq dot com/ar/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%81%D9%82-%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B7%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B4%D9%82

[36] https://www.masrawy dot com/news/news_publicaffairs/details/2024/12/3/2685462/ ;

https://almadapaper dot net/387516/ ;

https://t.me/teamsmediawar_1/106885

[37] https://shafaq dot com/ar/%D8%B3%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A9/%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%82%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%B4%D9%81%D9%82-%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%83%D8%B4%D9%81-%D8%AC%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B7%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B4%D9%82

[38] https://www.timesofisrael dot com/liveblog_entry/idf-investigating-reports-4-syrian-civilians-were-wounded-by-troops-gunfire-during-protest/

[39] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871906583183278167

[40] https://x.com/Daraa24_24/status/1871864379173433640

[41] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871906583183278167

[42] https://t.me/damascusv011/26964

[43] https://x.com/Levant_24_/status/1872285878640377997

[44] https://x.com/manniefabian/status/1872300184656372094 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872299017637617718 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872299020628209826

[45] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872299023752986870 ;

[46] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872299023752986870 ; https://x.com/manniefabian/status/1872300184656372094

[47] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-19-2024

[48] https://x.com/army21ye/status/1871814595993915851 ; https://x.com/army21ye/status/1871814595993915851

[49] https://x.com/army21ye/status/1871983765670781349/photo/2

[50] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871947030102524169

[51] https://www.idf dot il/260407

[52] https://alqassam dot ps/arabic/%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85/20132/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84-446-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%88 ; https://t.me/nedalps/4589

[53] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871892163963093426 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871998979787145224 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872174170387410974

[54] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871892163963093426

[55] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872174170387410974

[56] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872174173566665206

[57] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872174180122452037 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871998983025094724 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871892166768992470

[58] https://alqassam dot ps/arabic/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%BA%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85/8374/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%87%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%A9-%D8%B5%D9%81%D8%B1-%D8%AC%D9%86%D9%88%D8%A8-%D8%AD%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9

[59] https://x.com/IDF/status/1872268633281274154/photo/2 ; https://t.me/QudsN/510974

[60] https://x.com/IDF/status/1872268633281274154/photo/2

[61] https://idfanc dot activetrail.biz/ANC2612202432675

[62] https://www.idf dot il/260167

[63] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17762

[64] https://www.idf dot il/260167

[65] https://x.com/AvichayAdraee/status/1871710219803275588

[66] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17775 ; https://www.jpost dot com/breaking-news/article-834853

[67] https://hamasinfo dot info/2024/12/25/4890/ ; https://t.me/moriahdoron/17768

[68] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872159145664889036 ; https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871486068866142317 ; https://www.timesofisrael dot com/liveblog_entry/idf-confirms-killing-palestinian-amid-fighting-in-tulkarem/

[69] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872159162802770391 ; https://t.me/alredalsrey/817

[70] https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/iran-update-december-19-2024

[71] https://t.me/alredalsrey/817 ; https://t.me/alsarayadafa/821

[72] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1872159153873211588

[73] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17758 ; https://t.me/moriahdoron/17760

[74] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17759

[75] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17759

[76] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871951267301568798

[77] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871951267301568798

[78] https://t.me/elaqsa_1965/8063 ; https://t.me/alsarayadafa/819

[79] https://x.com/idfonline/status/1871951279632826526

[80] https://www.jpost dot com/israel-news/article-835008

[81] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fatah ; https://www.jpost dot com/israel-news/article-835008

[82] https://www.i24news dot tv/en/news/middle-east/palestinian-territories/artc-palestinian-authority-bans-al-jazeera-over-jenin-operation-coverage ; https://www.jpost dot com/israel-news/article-835008

[83] https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status/1871815774077370517

[84] https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1866872318837850522 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-december-11-2024

[85] https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/125663 ; https://t.me/almanarnews/188084 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/110032

[86] https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1872218198407356695 ; https://t.me/almanarnews/188207

[87] https://t.me/almanarnews/188207

[88] https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109957 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109968 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109956

[89] https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109959

[90] https://x.com/Lebanon24/status/1872235549437854028 ; https://x.com/MarioLeb79/status/1872238253644169351

[91] https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/125671 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/110032 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109924

[92] https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/125664 ; https://x.com/ALJADEEDNEWS/status/1871894599012433979

[93] https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109989

[94] https://t.me/almanarnews/188038 ; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109904; https://x.com/kaisos1987/status/1871803693089292447; https://x.com/obretix/status/1871896353267503227

[95] https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109904

[96] https://x.com/kaisos1987/status/1871803693089292447

[97] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17779; https://t.me/moriahdoron/17780

[98] https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109904; https://t.me/almanarnews/187183; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109463; https://t.me/almanarnews/186981; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109378; https://x.com/TVManar1/status/1868592019855294703; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109318; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124945; https://t.me/Aitarounmediaplatform/62372; https://t.me/Aitarounmediaplatform/62368; https://x.com/AlakhbarNews/status/1867611347250299269; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109166; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124898; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124891; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109120; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/109074; https://x.com/AlakhbarNews/status/1867197798745055668; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124763; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108986; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108991; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108977; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108841; https://x.com/AlakhbarNews/status/186680087453567396; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108693; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108638; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124494; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108567; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124370;https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124371; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124355; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124323; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124322; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108320; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108240; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108298; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108300; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108320; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124150; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108094; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108109; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/108043; https://t.me/dahieh4all/48117; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124125; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107880; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107883; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124008; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107906; https://x.com/Lebanon24/status/1863856530338058346; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107936; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107953; https://t.me/bintjbeilnews/124060; https://x.com/Lebanon24/status/1863666714178670976; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107873; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107772; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107784; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107787; https://x.com/Lebanon24/status/1863623468798919022; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107790; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107791; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107796; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107797; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107798; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107848; https://x.com/Lebanon24/status/1863656572917809452; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107850; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107851; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107853; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107854; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107855; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107856; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107859; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107865; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107867; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107745; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107684;https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107698; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107705; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107735; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107568; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107493; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107502; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107511; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107454; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107267; https://t.me/channelnabatieh/107408

[99] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17779; https://t.me/moriahdoron/17780

[100] https://t.me/moriahdoron/17779; https://t.me/moriahdoron/17780

[101] https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1872278524200915380

[102] https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1872278524200915380

[103] https://x.com/LebarmyOfficial/status/1872278524200915380

[104] https://unifil.unmissions.org/unifil-statement-26-december-2024

[105] https://unifil.unmissions.org/unifil-statement-26-december-2024

[106] https://www.almodon dot com/arabworld/2024/12/24/%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%B2-%D9%85%D8%B0%D9%83%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%B7%D9%87%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%80300-%D9%85%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B1

[107] https://www.tasnimnews dot com/fa/news/1403/10/04/3225077

[108] https://defapress dot ir/fa/news/714738

https://en.mehrnews dot com/news/225765

[109] https://defapress dot ir/fa/news/714738

[110] https://farsnews dot ir/M_r7726/1735139897571068282

[111] https://farsnews dot ir/M_r7726/1735139897571068282

[112] https://farsnews dot ir/ardabil/1735207980595828066

[113] https://farsnews dot ir/ardabil/1735207980595828066