Since beginning of July | SOHR documents entry of over 5,000 people from Iraq to visit Shiite “holy shrines” in Syria

SOHR activists have documented the entry of at least 235 “large and small” buses from Iraq since July.

The buses transported more than 5,000 visitors of different nationalities to Syria from Iraq, through Al-Bokamal – Al-Qai’m.

The visitors are of Iranian, Iraqi, Afghani and other nationalities from Asia, where they travelled to Syria to visit Shiite holy sites in the capital Damascus, and participate in the mourning process held at the shrines of Al-Saida Zainab and Al-Sida Ruqaya in Rif Dimashq.

The Iranian militias work on securing the safe transportation of the visitors in Syria, and accompanying the buses to shrines in Syria.

Iran aims to change the cultural structure of some strategic Syrian areas from Al-Bokamal all the way to Rif Dimashq on the road between Tehran and Beirut, by carrying out military and cultural activities.

The militias take advantage of the local residents by cultural courses, trips and giving them presents to win over the people.