An Iranian general has accused Russia of misleading Tehran by targeting empty deserts in Syria while claiming to strike rebel forces, further straining their alliance.
(Damascus) – A senior Iranian military official has accused Russia of deceptive military tactics during its operations in Syria. Brigadier General Behrouz Esbati alleged that Russian airstrikes, purportedly aimed at Syrian rebel strongholds, were instead directed at uninhabited desert areas. The claim was revealed in an audio recording published on January 7 by Geneva-based journalist Abdullah Abdi.
The revelation casts doubt on Moscow’s commitment to supporting Iran and the Assad regime during a critical period in the Syrian conflict. In the recording, Esbati lamented the dire consequences of their alliance’s failures. “We were defeated, and defeated very badly. We took a very big blow, and it’s been very difficult,” he said, referencing the fall of Assad’s regime.
According to Esbati, Moscow had assured Tehran that its strikes were targeting the headquarters of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group spearheading efforts to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. However, the general stated that Russian forces were instead conducting airstrikes on barren desert areas, undermining their joint military objectives.
Adding to the controversy, Esbati accused Russia of disabling its radar systems during Israeli strikes on Syrian targets in 2024. He claimed this allowed Israel to conduct its operations with greater efficiency, further exposing Syria to external attacks. These actions have fueled frustration among Iran’s military leadership, who view them as betrayals of their partnership with Moscow.
The fallout from these alleged deceptions coincides with significant developments in the Syrian conflict. On December 8, opposition forces announced the successful overthrow of Assad’s regime following the capture of Damascus. This historic victory marked the end of over five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family, leaving the region’s political future uncertain.
Table: Key Allegations Against Russia
| Claim | Details |
|---|---|
| Targeting Empty Deserts | Russian airstrikes allegedly hit uninhabited areas instead of rebel headquarters. |
| Misleading Tehran | Moscow claimed to target Hayat Tahrir al-Sham but failed to deliver on its promises. |
| Radar Disabling During Israeli Strikes | Russia accused of turning off radar systems, enabling Israeli operations against Syrian targets. |
The allegations have raised questions about Russia’s reliability as a military ally.
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