The Syrian Special Mission Forces (Arabic: وحدة المهام الخاصة) are a quick reaction force of the Ministry of Interior. They are tasked with defending against terrorist attacks on government-controlled parts of Aleppo and Damascus, and other urban settings.[5][6]
| Syrian Special Mission Forces | |
|---|---|
| وحدة المهام الخاصة | |
 | |
| Active | 2014–present |
| Country |  Syrian Arab Republic |
| Allegiance | Syrian Arab Republic |
| Branch | Ministry of Interior |
| Type | Quick reaction force |
| Role | Close-quarters combat Counter-insurgency Counter-terrorism Direct action Guerrilla warfare Hostage rescue Offensive Raiding Reconnaissance Special operations Unconventional warfare Urban warfare |
| Garrison/HQ | Damascus |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Maj. Gen. Bassel al-Shaker |
Equipment
editThe unit receives military training and weapons from Russia.[6] The unit is comparable to the Russian ODON. The SSMF uses 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] Since 2023, SMF also uses Iranian copy of the M4 carbine, Fajr 224.[8]
According to Al-Masdar News, the Special Mission Forces are 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
editAccording to al-Masdar news, the force has foiled attacks by terrorists in the western suburbs and Old City of Aleppo. Not limited to city defense, the Syrian Special Mission Forces have attacked behind enemy lines during the Syrian Army’s East Ghouta offensive. They are more experienced than the National Defence Forces in that many are experienced military officers, some with experience in the Syrian Special Forces. It is anticipated that after the war is over and the conflict in the area dissipates, they will help contribute in the rebuilding of Syria.[11]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ "Syrian Army Continue Successful Operations Against Terrorists Across the Country". wordpress.com. 10 June 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Syrian Army goes all in on Aleppo as more reinforcements pour into the city - Map update". 25 November 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups". 1 May 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ a b "Farsnews". en.farsnews.com. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ "Спецназ МВД Сирии опробовал на передовой новые АК-104". Retrieved 25 June 2017.
- ^ Syrian police, SMF
- ^ Fadel, Leith (1 May 2017). "Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups". Al Masdar News. Retrieved 31 August 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Newly formed Syrian Special Mission Forces prove effective against jihadist groups, al-Masdar News, 01-05-17