Syrian Special Mission Forces

Syrian Special Mission Forces
وحدة المهام الخاصة
Active2014–?
CountrySyria Syrian Arab Republic
AllegianceSyria Syrian Arab Republic
BranchMinistry of Interior
TypeQuick reaction force
RoleClose-quarters combat
Counter-insurgency
Counter-terrorism
Direct action
Guerrilla warfare
Hostage rescue
Offensive
Raiding
Reconnaissance
Special operations
Unconventional warfare
Urban warfare
Garrison/HQDamascus
Engagements
Commanders
CommanderMaj. Gen. Bassel al-Shaker

The Syrian Special Mission Forces (Arabic: وحدة المهام الخاصة) was a quick reaction force of the Ministry of Interior of Ba'athist Syria. They were tasked with defending against attacks on government-controlled parts of Aleppo and Damascus, and other urban settings.[5][6]

Equipment

The unit received military training and weapons from Russia.[6] The unit was comparable to the Russian ODON. The SSMF used Russian-suppiled AK-103 and AK-104 as the main service rifles, the former main rifles were the AK-47 and most likely, the AKM as well.[7] From 2023 to 2024, SMF also used Iranian copy of the M4 carbine, Fajr 224.[8]

According to Al-Masdar News, the Special Mission Forces was mainly, although not exclusively, intended for urban security actions,[9] as well as carrying out force protection and security operations against terrorist activities.[10]

Battles

al-Masdar News reported in 2017 that the force had foiled attacks by terrorists in the western suburbs and Old City of Aleppo. Not limited to city defense, the Syrian Special Mission Forces attacked behind enemy lines during the Syrian Army’s siege of Eastern Ghouta. They were more experienced than the National Defence Forces in that many were experienced military officers, some with experience in the Syrian special forces. At the time, it was anticipated that after the war was over and the conflict in the area dissipated, they would help contribute to the rebuilding of Syria.[11]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Syrian Army Continue Successful Operations Against Terrorists Across the Country". wordpress.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  2. ^ "Syrian Army on verge of capturing major East Ghouta stronghold: Field Report". 29 October 2016. Archived from the original on 30 October 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  3. ^ "Syrian Army goes all in on Aleppo as more reinforcements pour into the city - Map update". 25 November 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  4. ^ "Syrian Army captures large tunnel, neighborhood in east Damascus town". 21 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups". 1 May 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Farsnews". en.farsnews.com. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  7. ^ "Спецназ МВД Сирии опробовал на передовой новые АК-104". Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  8. ^ Syrian police, SMF
  9. ^ Fadel, Leith (1 May 2017). "Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups". Al Masdar News. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
  10. ^ Neville, Leigh (2019). The Elite: The A–Z of Modern Special Operations Forces. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4728-2430-1. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  11. ^ Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups, al-Masdar News, 01-05-17