Analysis
In a country that has become accustomed to violence, a gunfight between two Shiite entities backing Syrian President Bashar al Assad's regime marks an unusual occurrence in the conflict. Though it would seem that infighting among the loyalist forces would be a sign of fracturing loyalties, such minor disputes -- no matter how uncommon -- will do little to undermine the broader goals of Damascus.
Saudi Arabia's Al Watan newspaper recently reported clashes near Damascus between Hezbollah forces and fighters from the Abu al-Fadl Abbas Brigade that resulted in the death of several militants. Disputes among Syria's pro-regime Shiite fighters are less common than conflicts between the country's rebel groups. If the report is accurate, it is most likely indicative of organizational rather than fundamental differences between the associated factions.
It is important to note the source of the report: an anti-regime Saudi daily that has been eager in the past to expose divisions within the Syrian regime and its allied fighters. That said, this is not the first account of skirmishes or disagreements between pro-regime fighters. A Reuters report from June indicated growing tensions between the various Shiite militias in Syria, specifically in the area around Damascus.
Aside from Hezbollah, which has been fighting in Syria since early in the conflict, there are a handful of other smaller, foreign Shiite militias taking part in the hostilities. Volunteers have come in large numbers from Iraq as well as other sympathetic Shiite countries. Such militias primarily shoulder the task of defending Shiite mosques, shrines and holy sites within Syria, though they have also participated in the fighting in greater Damascus and Aleppo.
Rising Sunni Resistance to Hezbollah
Sectarian tensions are unquestionably rife in Syria, with Christian churches as well Sunni and Shiite mosques becoming targets for destruction. While Salafi jihadist rebel groups have attacked Shiite mosques throughout the country, the most prominent Shiite sites are located in Damascus. The predominantly Iraqi Abu al-Fadl Abbas Brigade, one of the most recognized Shiite militias, concentrates near the Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque outside the capital.
What exactly sparked the conflict between the Abu al-Fadl Abbas Brigade and Hezbollah is unknown. However, Hezbollah members have previously indicated their disapproval of the brigade's behavior, accusing its members of acting like mercenaries and thugs. Hezbollah, unlike the Abu al-Fadl Abbas Brigade, is highly regimented and organized, with clear operating standards. It is most probable that these organizational differences were the cause of the skirmish between the two groups in this instance, and not necessarily indicative of a larger trend of infighting among pro-regime fighters.
If these functional differences prove too difficult to overcome, with militias finding themselves forced to operate within close proximity or even in coordination with each other, it is possible that there could be more violence as a result. However, due to the widespread nature of the Syrian conflict and the more pressing fight against anti-regime rebel forces, these seemingly minor disputes will not do much in terms of undermining the Shiite fighters' overarching objectives and dedication to the cause.
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