New Delhi: In the event of a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Shia resistance forces from Pakistan and Afghanistan, specifically the Zainabiyoun and Fatemiyoun brigades stationed in Syria, are prepared to launch direct attacks on Israel. According to the Associated Press, these groups, known for their allegiance and combat readiness, have indicated their readiness to intervene and support Hezbollah against Israeli forces.Who are the ZainabiyounThe Zainabiyoun Brigade, also known as Liwa Zainabiyoun, was formed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards after the onset of the Syrian civil war. This brigade consists of Pakistani Shiite militants mobilized to support Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran and Russia. Initially, their mission was to defend the Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque, but they have since been deployed to various frontlines across Syria.Watch the video here: #BREAKING: In the event of a war between Israel and Hezbollah, the Shia resistance forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan (Zainbyoun and Fatemiyoun brigade) based in Syria will carry out direct attacks on Israel.—AP pic.twitter.com/wZ1zigBMNn— War Intel (@warintel4u) June 25, 2024The Iranian regime has played an important role in the Syrian conflict, which began in 2013 and has resulted in around 500,000 deaths, with at least 60 percent of the casualties being civilians.Who are the FatemiyounThe Fatemiyoun Brigade, backed by Iran, is primarily composed of Shia Afghan refugees in Iran and members of the Hazara Shia minority from Afghanistan. The Hazara community, constituting 9 to 10% of Afghanistans 38 million population, has faced persecution and deadly attacks by the Sunni Taliban since the 1990s, leading many to seek refuge in Iran. The Iranian government has recruited these refugees into the Fatemiyoun Brigade.Members of the Fatemiyoun Brigade are mostly in their 20s and 30s and are driven by economic hardships and their vulnerable status as migrants, according to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Reports from media and human rights organizations indicate that Iran has offered these recruits and their families financial incentives, citizenship, and legal protections in exchange for their service. However, some refugees have reported being coerced into joining the brigade under threats of arrest and deportation, as noted by the Middle East Institute. The Fatemiyoun fighters have been armed by Iran for deployment in conflicts in Yemen and Syria.Israeli offensive plansThe Israeli army announced last week that it had received approval and validation for an offensive in Lebanon amid increasing cross-border clashes. This development has raised concerns about the potential for another major conflict in the Middle East.History of conflict: The 2006 WarThe last full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah occurred in 2006. The war was triggered by a cross-border attack by Hezbollah, leading to 34 days of intense fighting. The conflict resulted in significant devastation, particularly in southern Lebanon.
