Iraqi Militias Reinforce Syrian Government in Counteroffensive

Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have entered Syria to support the government's counteroffensive against insurgents led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, who recently captured Aleppo. This escalation risks involving Russia and Turkey, each with vested interests in Syria, and comes amid regional tensions with U.S.-backed Israel fighting Hamas and Hezbollah. Syrian and Russian airstrikes have reportedly killed 400 insurgents, while additional Iraqi forces have crossed into Syria to bolster Assad's regime. The conflict has raised concerns of regional spillover, with neighboring countries increasing border security.