Social media imagery uploaded this week of Iran-backed Iraqi and Palestinian fighting forces allied with Syrian Arab Republic:
Iran-backed Kata'ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada fighting force members pose before just-visible dome on the shrine of Sayyidah Zainab near Damascus, Syria. Note the unfurled Iraqi national flag.
It appears to be a customary refrain for Iran-backed Shia fighting forces to claim "in defense of the shrine of Sayyidah Zainab," in similar manner to the culturally dissimilar refrain of American fighting forces waging war "in defense of freedom."
Claimed depiction near Aleppo of Iran-backed Iraqi fighting force member, beside Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") jeep-type vehicle equipped with M40 type recoilless gun. This type of tactical vehicle, which has been seen in quantity at Iraq, is now being observed in Syria, as well.
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali fighting force members photographed near Aleppo, Syria. Note again, promotion of the Iraqi national flag.
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali fighting force members photographed near Aleppo. Individual in foreground wears identification patch bearing the Iraqi national flag.
In the foreground can be seen SyAA 2S1 Gvozdika type 122-mm self-propelled howitzer.
Iran-backed Kata'ib al-Imam Ali fighting force member (individual appearing in all three related images), posing before ISIL flag wall painting, near Aleppo, Syria.
Image claiming to depict member of Palestinian "Jerusalem Commando Forces" near Aleppo, beside two recently Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") jeep-type vehicles. Safir on right equipped with M40 type recoilless gun, on left equipped with 107 mm MRL.
Image claiming to depict members of Palestinian "Jerusalem Commando Forces" fighting on the side of Syrian Arab Republic, near Aleppo.
Image claiming to depict Iranian volunteer, possibly IRGC-QF, with T-72 type main battle tank. Note signage for Abtin, which is located roughly 20 km south of Aleppo. Syrian media reported the recapture of Abtin village on 16OCT15.
