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Reports from Lebanon say hundreds of Iranian troops have arrived in Syria in the last 10 days and will soon join government forces and their Lebanese Hezbollah allies in a major ground offensive backed by Russian air strikes.
The vanguard of Iranian ground forces began arriving in Syria: soldiers and officers specifically to participate in this battle," the second source said.
They are not advisers ... we mean hundreds with equipment and weapons. They will be followed by more."
Iraqis will also take part in the operation, the source said.
Thus far, direct Iranian military support for Assad has come mostly in the form of military advisers.
The White House said it could not confirm reports that Iranian troops have launched a ground offensive in Syria, but said any such development would be an "apt and powerful illustration" that Russia's military actions have worsened the conflict.
Josh Earnest, White House spokesman, that Russian involvement has not caused a "broad re-evaluation" of US strategy in Syria.
Reports: Iranian troops in Syria for joint offensive - Al Jazeera English
The vanguard of Iranian ground forces began arriving in Syria: soldiers and officers specifically to participate in this battle," the second source said.
They are not advisers ... we mean hundreds with equipment and weapons. They will be followed by more."
Iraqis will also take part in the operation, the source said.
Thus far, direct Iranian military support for Assad has come mostly in the form of military advisers.
The White House said it could not confirm reports that Iranian troops have launched a ground offensive in Syria, but said any such development would be an "apt and powerful illustration" that Russia's military actions have worsened the conflict.
Josh Earnest, White House spokesman, that Russian involvement has not caused a "broad re-evaluation" of US strategy in Syria.
Reports: Iranian troops in Syria for joint offensive - Al Jazeera English