Iran terror proxies amass on Israel’s borders in 'Ring of Fire’

Iran terror proxies amass on Israel’s borders in 'Ring of Fire’

Efrat Lachter

For more than four decades, the Iranian regime has meticulously constructed a "Ring of Fire" around Israel, employing various terror groups to extend its influence across the Middle East. However, recent military actions by Israel have begun to unravel this intricate network, indicating a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.

Amnon Sofrin, former head of the Intelligence Directorate at Mossad, told Fox News Digital, "In central Tehran, there is a huge clock that was set up in 2015, showing how much time is left for Israel, indicating that by 2040, Israel should no longer exist. They have been preparing for this moment. Some of the Iran-backed militias conducted reconnaissance with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and claimed they would assist once the [Israel Defense Forces] IDF entered Lebanon. 

"However," Sofrin added, "we are already inside Lebanon, and no pro-Iranian militia has yet provided help. Iran isn’t giving the order to its other proxies in the region to join the ground war—at least not yet."

While Tehran's other terror proxies have yet to engage directly in ground battles, they have demonstrated their "support" in other ways. Earlier this month, drones loaded with explosives were launched by pro-Iranian militias from Iraq against an Israeli military base in the Golan Heights, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring 24. 

This is not the first time these pro-Iran militia groups in Iraq have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel. In April, an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iraq infiltrated Israeli territory through Jordan and exploded on a structure at an IDF base in Eilat without being intercepted. "That was a sophisticated maneuver, sending it through Jordan to Eilat," said Sofrin, "showing their high capabilities."

"There are reports that the Houthis have already sent a forward unit to southern Syria, consisting of experts in operating missiles and rockets, to assist in training the militias in southern Syria to operate these systems. The Houthis are recruiting many people and training various militias, which could lead to their presence in Iraq or southern Syria, from where they might attack Israel and American forces in the region, either physically or through missiles."

"Iran is deploying forces, and it is possible that the pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria will join in targeting Israel," Rabi elaborated, "However, I believe that the Iraqi arena serves more as a facilitator; its function is to create an Iranian corridor from one side of the region to the other, facilitating logistical capabilities and weaponry to the focal point, which is Hezbollah."

In Syria, three brigades of militias operate under Iranian guidance: the Fatemiyoun Brigade, populated by Afghan mercenaries; Liwa' Zaynabiyun, composed of Pakistani mercenaries; and Imam Ali, comprising fighters from other Muslim countries. Each soldier is paid about $500 to $800 a month.

As Israel intensifies its military operations, several scenarios may unfold. Sofrin warns of the potential for escalated hostilities if Iranian terror proxies are activated. "While these groups are ready to attack, they await orders from Iran, which complicates the situation," adding that "the potential for these groups to engage in sporadic attacks against American forces in the Middle East adds another layer of complexity."

Looking ahead, the Iranian "Ring of Fire" faces unprecedented challenges. As Sofrin asserts, "We are beginning to change the equation in the Middle East," highlighting the necessity for ongoing pressure on Iranian proxies to prevent them from regrouping.

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