Syria – Iranian groups dominate Deir Ez-Zor and spread Shiism

Deir Ez-Zor – Syria 04.11.2020 

Iranian groups dominated Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria, and its countryside, which is under the control of the Syrian army. This is not only a military dominance, but cultural and administrative, most notably the opening of Hussainiyat and Sharia schools, and the establishment of some shrines as in Ain Ali, and in addition to using the Shia’s Azan. This is an indirect way of Iranian cultural hegemony, in addition to its control over the decisions of the regime’s institutions in the city, the judiciary and education institutions in particular. Moreover, these groups implement intensive activities to spread Shiism among the people in the predominantly Sunni region, especially children and youth. Civilian sources indicated that the most prominent areas in which the groups are present are the city of Albu Kamal at the border of Iraq, Sabikhan town, Qors town, Al-Toub town, Muhassan city, Hatla town, the village of Ain Ali, and the river strip in Ashara town and Mayadin, the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, as well as Salhiya town in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor.