Russia sends more than 500 Syrian militants to Ukraine
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russia sent more than 500 Syrian militants to eastern Ukraine, tasking them with safeguarding facilities in Luhansk and Donetsk, according to Middle East Eye (MEE).
The MEE reported that the Syrian militants were drawn mainly from Syrian government forces, including the 25th Special Mission Forces Division, known in Syria as the Tiger Force, Russian-backed Fifth Corps and Liwa al-Quds, who were trained by Russia to fight against Syrian opposition forces and the Islamic State Organization (ISIS).
The MEE said, citing a Syrian government official, that Russia had recruited the fighters, including former opposition militants, through its special forces, and transferred them to Ukraine.
About 1.000 Syrian militants were flown to Russia for training, but only half of them had gone to Ukraine, according to the official.
The Syrian militants’ main task was providing security and protection for areas in Luhansk and Donetsk, however they could be called to front lines when it is necessary, he added.
At least, 50 Syrian militants were killed in the Ukrainian bombardment so far, according to the source.
In April, hundreds of Russian-trained Syrian militants who have reportedly signed up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine include Syrian soldiers, former opposition fighters and veteran fighters who fought for years against the ISIS in Syria.
At the time, about 40.000 people have registered their names to join the Russian army, according to sources.
In March, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a UN Security Council meeting that Moscow had received more than 16.000 applications from people in Middle Eastern countries to help fight in Ukraine.
However, observers said that it was an attempt by Russia to scare Ukraine and other European countries in the conflict’s early days.