The Aftermath of Iran's Military Retreat from Syria: Bases in Ruins

As Iran's military presence in Syria faces a chaotic withdrawal, remnants of abandoned bases unveil the extent of its prior investment and growing alienation from the Syrian populace.

The remnants of Iran's military efforts in Syria stand starkly contrasted against the backdrop of an unexpected retreat, illustrating a broader narrative of panic and unpreparedness. Among the dilapidated bases, one can find moldy food left on bunk beds, discarded military uniforms, and abandoned weapons—all echoes of a once-active Iranian military presence that took years to construct but crumbled in a matter of weeks.

For over a decade, Iran served as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's most crucial ally, deploying military advisers and foreign militias while investing heavily in the war. The elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) established a network of underground bases, claiming they were part of a "security belt" designed to counter threats from Israel.

Near Khan Shaykhun in Idlib province, the remains of an Iranian base reveal the haste with which Iranian forces left. Abandoned documents containing sensitive information about Afghan fighters and their Iranian commanders highlight the unanticipated speed of the retreat, prompted by a confluence of rapid military developments and growing internal rifts. An HTS fighter noted the astonishingly quick advance of opposition forces through key territories, suggesting that moments during the conflict turned dramatically in favor of insurgents.

The chaotic withdrawal was underscored by the sudden influx of new fighters, as Uyghur militants from Hayaat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) arrived at one of the now-deserted bases. The departure orders for Iranian forces seemed to come at the last minute; many were instructed to flee with little more than their backpacks. Internal commentary from IRGC members portrayed a sense of chaos, indicating a complete breakdown in trust between Iranian forces and Assad’s regime, further complicating the situation on the ground.

Amidst the ruins, locals who had lived under Iranian military presence expressed mixed feelings. Abdullah, a local resident, recounted the difficulties faced during the Iranian occupation, sharing relief that the forces had evacuated yet expressing residual fears of renewed conflict. This sentiment reflects broader discontent towards Iran, contrasting with a more favorable view towards Russian involvement in Syria, despite their role in bombing operations.

As new authorities arise in Syria, they seek to distance themselves from Iranian influence. Officials have placed bans on Iranian nationals entering Syria, a stark contrast to the perceived openness towards Russia. Iran’s response has been measured, with supreme leader Ali Khamenei engaging in rhetoric encouraging resistance against external influences.

In the ruins of abandoned bases, the narrative of Iran's once-expansive military footprint reveals not only the physical remnants of its ambitions but also the shifting alliances and resentments within Syrian society. Initial constructions hint at ongoing military preparations up until the last moment, but what remains now serves as a testament to the rapid decline of Tehran's influence in a country where much has been irrevocably altered.