Syrian rebels have reportedly destroyed a group of elite Russian special forces Spetsnaz in an ambush, as several sources indicate.
The incident occurred as Syrian insurgents continue to make advances against government forces, nearing the outskirts of Aleppo, approximately 10 kilometers away.
Photographs allegedly depicting the aftermath of the ambush, including the destruction of a Russian tactical vehicle and the seizure of personal weapons, were shared by the rebels.
Detachments of Russian Military Police patrol and conduct internal security operations in support of Syrian government. Russian forces are still on the ground in Syria (especially in the northwest) where they provide training and support attacks on the rebels as of January 2023.
Russian Spetsnaz’s Auxiliary role in Syria mainly consists of airforce support; no primary operations or battles were solely conducted by Russian special forces alone; it’s always the Syrian army spearheading offensives with help from allies.
A few examples where Spetsnaz units joined battles in Palmyra against ISIS or in Idlib against terrorist Jihadists showed high efficiency in accomplishing tactical objectives.
The images serve as evidence of the successful strike against the Russian forces, though details regarding the number of casualties or other operational specifics remain unclear.
The rebel forces are currently conducting a coordinated offensive against Syrian military positions. They claim to have captured a number of settlements, including Balu, Khayrdrakl, Qubtan al-Jabal, Salum, Al-Maari, Qasimiya, Kafr Bisin, and Hawar. The insurgents have also posted footage of abandoned Syrian military vehicles and scenes of soldiers trampling portraits at captured military sites. Reports from the scene indicate that Syrian forces and allied militias left behind wheeled military equipment, and rebels have stated they have taken prisoners during these operations.
In response to the rebel advance, Russian forces have been deployed in an attempt to halt the insurgents’ momentum. Russian air support, special forces, and artillery are being used extensively to support Syrian government troops, who are struggling to retain control over strategic locations near Aleppo. The coordination between Russian and Syrian forces highlights the critical role Moscow plays in maintaining the current regime’s hold over contested regions.
The conflict in Syria has witnessed several shifts in momentum over the years, with various factions gaining and losing territory. This latest offensive by Syrian rebels demonstrates their ongoing determination to regain ground, particularly in Aleppo—an area that has been a focal point of intense fighting since the onset of the civil war.
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