Pakistani nationals recruited by the Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) in Iran to fight for the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad have suffered more casualties in past few weeks.
The increase in the number of casualties from the group this year indicates they are taking a more active role in the conflict, Reuters reported.
“A posting in mid-November on a Twitter account bearing the group’s name displayed the pictures of 53 men, described as fighters killed in battle. While there has been no official announcement of their total numbers, a regional source familiar with the issue said hundreds of Pakistanis were fighting in Syria,” the report said.
“According to the group’s postings on the internet, some of the Pakistanis fighting in Syria were already residing in Iran while the others come from a community of Pakhtun Shias from Parachinar. The Zainbayioun started out as part of a unit of Afghan fighters called the Fatemiyoun, Smyth said. The Fatemiyoun have suffered heavy losses in Syria as evident from regular postings about casualties on hardliner Iranian sites. At least some of the Afghan fighters were lured to fight on promises of Iranian citizenship or steady monthly income,” Reuters report said.
“Advertisements aimed at Pakistanis online suggest similar inducements. One recruitment ad posted on Facebook last week said any physically fit man between 18 and 35 should apply to fight in Syria. It offered 45 days of initial military training along with six months of further training in Syria, a salary of Rs120,000 per month and 15 days of holiday every three months.”
