An Iranian general accused Russia of misleading Tehran by claiming its airstrikes targeted Syrian rebels while actually bombing empty deserts.

Axar.az, citing business insider, reports that Brig. Gen. Behrouz Esbati, in a rare critique, blamed Moscow for Bashar al-Assad’s downfall, citing corruption within Assad’s ranks and Russia’s failure to provide support. Esbati also alleged that Russia disabled radars during Israeli strikes on Syria, allowing effective attacks.

Assad fled Damascus in December as rebels advanced, with analysts attributing this to Moscow’s waning support amid its war in Ukraine. Former Assad aide Kamel Saqr claimed Russia stalled military aid, leaving Syria and Iran in the dark. Assad’s fall raises concerns about Russia’s military bases in Syria, with reports suggesting plans to relocate equipment to Libya.