By Ardo Juweid
ALEPPO, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian government forces have relied on armed civilian groups as auxiliary forces to bolster their main military force. These groups have played a key role in enhancing security and protecting government assets within the areas under its control.
As a result of protests against the Syrian government and the subsequent political unrest in the country, the security situation significantly deteriorated. This led to an increased demand for bolstering the security forces in order to maintain stability and address the escalating challenges and threats.
In order to maintain order and address internal threats, as described by the government, the government security forces effectively recruited and utilized these auxiliary groups as an additional security force to enforce the rule of law.
The process commenced with different security branches of the government arming civilians in popular neighborhoods through committees commonly referred to as ‘Popular Committees.’ These committees were largely associated with the ruling Arab Baath Party.
Protests are the reason
The primary reason for the decrease in the number of military personnel within the Syrian forces was the widespread protests which resulted in defections and desertions from the military ranks. As a result, the government had to rely on auxiliary groups to compensate for the reduced manpower and provide support.
The National Defense Forces (NDF) were established in various Syrian provinces as the primary auxiliary force. These forces set up checkpoints in cities and neighborhoods, often operating under names associated with charitable organizations, such as the Martyr Foundation (both Aleppo and Deir ez-Zor branches), as well as the al-Bustan Association in Latakia. The latter was previously owned by Rami Makhlouf, a cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, but it is now controlled by a man named Wasim al-Assad. Both Rami Makhlouf and Wasim al-Assad have been associated with illicit trading activities.
In addition to the NDF, another auxiliary force known as the Baath Brigades was established as the military wing of the ruling Baath Party. In Aleppo, this force consisted of an estimated 6,000 individuals.
The with al-Baath Brigades carried out various tasks such as securing checkpoints and participating in joint operations within cities to counter security threats. They filled the security gap caused by defections and desertions, providing support to the main security forces.
A man named Tarek Nasra organized groups of civilians as a supporting force for offensive operations and the stabilization of areas captured by government forces. These groups, known as the Kadesh Forces, worked closely with the Syrian Army’s 83rd Battalion. They were assigned specialized missions to aid the combat forces in their operations.
Russian ally
The Syrian government forces have relied on auxiliary armed groups from their main allies, Russia and Iran, to augment their ranks. Syrians have been recruited to fight alongside these groups and are assigned various missions as part of their involvement in the battles.
One of the notable groups affiliated with Russia is the Palestinian Liwa al-Quds militia, which also maintains ties with the Syrian government’s Military Intelligence Directorate. Led by Muhammad al-Saeed, the group comprises approximately 10,000 to 13,000 militants deployed in different government-controlled areas.
Liwa al-Quds controls important areas such as the city of Aleppo, and large swaths of the Syrian Desert stretching to Deir ez-Zor. It receives its heavy weapons from the Syrian Republican Guard and is overseen by the Military Intelligence Directorate. Receiving its financial support from Russia, the militia supports the Russian Wagner forces in the Syrian Desert to safeguard oil facilities.
The militia has been involved in almost all battles within the areas held by the government, including the opening of the Khanaser-Aleppo road in 2013 and the recapture of the city of Aleppo in 2016. It has fought on the frontlines in Aleppo and is recognized as one of the major auxiliary forces that has endured significant casualties throughout the years of conflict.
These auxiliary groups are essential parts in the Syrian government’s strategy to enhance its combat capabilities and counter various threats. Their tactics have proven successful in military operations against anti-government armed groups.
In 2014, a group called the Northern Brigade, led by Abu Ali Roslan, was formed by 600 individuals from tribes near Aleppo, particularly in the eastern region. This group is affiliated with the Military Intelligence Directorate.
The group, along with the 25th Special Mission Forces Division (Tiger Forces) from Hama’s countryside, focused on recapturing the eastern areas of Aleppo’s countryside for the government forces.
The combined force, which received its financial support from Russia, consisted of approximately 20,000 fighters. Its headquarters was situated at the city’s airport which was held by the Air Force Intelligence.
In mid-2019, the government forces launched a propaganda campaign to encourage civilians and retired military personnel to join the Fifth Corps, which is led by Russian commanders.
Iranian Ally
The Syrian government forces have also depended on their Iranian allies during military operations. Iranian fighters constitute an essential part of these auxiliary armed groups. They possess extensive combat experience and high-level training, contributing to enhancing the government forces’ capabilities in facing threats.
The government forces closely cooperate with these auxiliary armed groups and provide them with necessary support in various areas. This support includes the provision of weapons, necessary equipment, and joint military coordination.
The policies pursued by Iran and Russia differ in terms of the formation and supply of militias. Russian-supported militias rely on Syrian commanders to lead their fellow Syrians within their units. In contrast, Iran-backed militias are led by Iranian commanders, and they only provide payment to those who join them after three months of their initial enlistment.
The government forces authorized Iran to establish local defense forces in Syria, comprising individuals who had previously deserted from military service. These individuals were enlisted in this force after their status was regularized.
The local defense forces are deployed in all Syrian cities and governorates, with a focus on the countryside of Aleppo and the military academy in Aleppo. They have controlled a wide area from southern Damascus to western Deir ez-Zor. Among their strongest local formations is the tribe forces, mostly consisted of members of the al-Baggara tribe.
In addition, Iran has brought in foreign Shiite militias, including Afghan fighters, numbering between 12,000 and 14,000, mostly in the Liwa Fatemiyoun militia. Iran has also brought Shiite Pakistani militants, whose number in Syria is unknown. They serve in the Liwa Zainebiyoun militia.
These secondary armed groups of the Russia and Iran are a crucial factor in keeping the Syrian government in power. It is likely that these auxiliary armed groups supported by Russia and Iran will continue to be relied upon by the Syrian government in the future.