Government forces appoint new commander to fight in Syria’s Idlib
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian government forces appointed on Tuesday Suhayl al-Hassan, as the commander of The 14th Special Forces Division in the Syrian government forces.
Al-Hassan was also assigned to be commander of the campaign against the Turkish-backed armed opposition factions aka the Syrian National Army (SNA) in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria.
Suhayl al-Hassan, nicknamed Nemr (the Tiger), was born in 1970 and holds the rank of commander of elite 25th Special Mission Forces Division in the Syrian government forces. He has close ties to Russia and previously served as the commander of the Tiger Forces, affiliated with the government forces.
Al-Hassan led numerous battles against SNA factions and the Islamic State (ISIS) in several Syrian cities. He has also served in various units of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces.
The Special Mission Forces are a rapid reaction force that received training in self-defense and military weapons by Russia. They are tasked with defending the areas controlled by the Syrian government in Aleppo Governorate, northwestern Syria, and Damascus, and elsewhere against terrorist attacks.
The Special Forces consist of the 7th, 14th, and 15th Divisions, which are combat units carrying out combat missions and rapid interventions. Their work has increased during the Syrian war, and their personnel number up to 30,000.
A confidential security source from Damascus, who declined to reveal his name for security reasons, informed North Press that Suhayl al-Hassan has been assigned to the upcoming campaign in Idlib against SNA.