The Afghans were killed because their bases in Syria tend to be simple, poorly constructed and they are used by Iran as cannon-fodder in Syria.
There is undoubtedly a clear conflict between, on one side, Iran and its proxies, and on the other, the US and Israel.
Iran’s calculations are based on years in which Iran has carried out attacks around the region and has never faced any retaliation.
Israel's military chief said Israeli forces work throughout the region and take "whatever action necessary" to show Israel's determination to defend itself.
Hamas denied Iran's statement, saying: "The reasons for the operation of the Flood of al-Aqsa, and foremost are the dangers that threaten al-Aqsa Mosque."
A Telegram channel in Iraq claimed an Iranian commander was killed and then mocked media for reporting it.
The report says that the IRGC Quds Force oversaw “testing of one of the explosives, which reportedly sliced through a tank’s armored plating in a trial run."
Syria is an important player today because it intersects with major tectonic changes in the region, changes that relate to diplomatic developments.
The goal was to buttress Iran's defenses against Israel in Syria and to strengthen Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as per sources.
Qatar, like Turkey, has backed the Syrian rebels and would not want to be seen to be selling them out. But it is also close to Iran as well as a strategic US partner.