Thread Upsum #IRGC and #Hezbollah have trained hundreds of #SDF fighters who will be joining the #SAA offensive on the W. #Aleppo - #Saraqeb Axis. The deal was forged in August and immediately put to work.
It began back in July when an #SDF delegation met Gen. Ali Mamlouk in #Damascus. His coterie included the #SAA Coordination officer with #Iran-ian forces. He berated the SDF for dealing with Americans, called them “US agents” and asked them to "show loyalty" to #Syria.
Then, negotiations began when #SDF offered to take part in the forthcoming #Idlib offensive, as a way of building trust between both parties. In return, the #SAA would have to back up their claim for #Afrin. The idea sounded agreeable and tweaks began.
The #SDF didn’t want to openly announce its participation. To this end, a few hundred of its fighters signed a “reconciliation” agreement. The fighters would then, on paper, be part of the #SAA order of battle.
All SDF fighters would be grouped in a single combat unit. #IRGC would train, arm and equip them, while #Hezbollah would despatch advisers to guide them through combat and coordinate with #SAA, as well as calling in artillery and airstrikes.