Zainabiyoun Brigade

An Iranian armed militia that operated in Syria, composed of fighters from Pakistan, primarily Pashtuns, an ethnic group spanning Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was founded by Mohammad Janati, also known as Haj Haidar, a Pakistani who died fighting opposition factions to the Assad regime. Fighters were stationed in Damascus and its suburbs to guard the holy Shia site of Sayyida Zaynab. Members received training in Iran before deployment to Syria.