Tiger Force: Russia's spearhead in Idlib offensive

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Russia's air power is not the only reason behind Bashar al-Assad's gains in northern Syria but the favor returns to the Russian-backed The 25th Special Missions Division, military experts say.

The special task group, which was known as the Tiger Force led by Brigadier General Suhail al-Hassan, is the spearhead of Idlib’s military offensive. Russia changed the name last August, seeking to ‘merge paramilitary units inside the Syrian regime army.

The Tiger Force, which was a unit of the Air Force Intelligence Directorate, has been supported by Russia since late 2015 in the Aleppo battles, where they were following direct orders from Russian command in Syria, with the leadership of al-Hassan, who is considered as Russia’s blue-eyed man. He was honored three times in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

During Vladimir Putin and Assad’s meeting in Hmeimim in 2019, al-Hassan was present, clearly showing Russia’s interest in the officer whose division is famous for the most terrible war crimes against civilians in Syria.

For Russia, the 25th Special Mission Division is as important as the Fifth Corps, which formed in November 2016.

The Division has around 35,000 fighters deployed all over Syria, most importantly in Hama, Daraa, Eastern Ghouta suburbs, and Deir Ezzor.

Commanders

General Saleh al-Abdullah is the military commander and Hassan Abdo as head of Special Tasks.

It is divided into 8 regiments:

Al-Hadi regiment led by Basil Al-Asmar.

Taha regiment led by Ali Taha.

Al-Termah led by Haider Naasan.

Al-Bawasil led by Basil Muhammad.

Al-Hawarith led by Abu Al-Hareth.

as well as al-Hayder, Fouh Hashim and Zulfiqar regiments.

The division includes seven war criminals who committed crimes against the Syrian people.