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The ISIS Hunters were formed in early 2017 after the rout of the Syrian regime's forces in the Battle of Palmyra in December 2016[1]. Its name means "Islamic State Hunters", the acronym for the jihadist group being "ISIS" in English[2]. Its fighters are integrated into the 5th Army Corps, a formation formed in November 2016 with Russian support, composed entirely of volunteers[2]. According to Stéphane Mantoux, a history professor specializing in the Iraqi-Syrian conflict: "Russia is also seeking to build forces that can serve as a counterweight to Iran, whose objectives in Syria differ from those of Moscow"[2]. The training of the ISIS Hunters is supervised by the Russians and in particular by the private military company Groupe Wagner[2]. Its weapons and equipment are also supplied by Russia[2].
History
The ISIS Hunters were formed in early 2017 after the Syrian Arab Armed Forces were routed in the December 2016 battle of Palmyra.[2] The group's fighters were integrated into the 5th Army Corps, a formation formed in November 2016 with Russian support, composed entirely of volunteers.[5]
Russia's goal in forming the ISIS Hunters was to combat ISIS and build forces that can serve as a counterweight to Iran in Syria, as their objectives in the region differ from those of Moscow.[5] The training of the ISIS Hunters was supervised by the Russians, particularly by the private military company Wagner Group, and their weapons and equipment are also supplied by Russia.[2]
Personnel
The group's strength was likely less than 100 in total. No official number of "ISIS Hunters" troops have been published by Syria. The group's strength likely numbers a few dozen men; some of its fighters in propaganda videos appear to be particularly elderly[1].
Areas of operation
In early 2017, the ISIS Hunters were operating in the Palmyra area, where they were responsible for protecting the military airport, as well as gas and oil fields.[5]
In February 2018, the ISIS Hunters were engaged in the Battle of Khasham near Deir ez-Zor against the Syrian Democratic Forces.[6] During this battle, they were subjected to U.S. bombing, resulting in the alleged loss of between 80 and 100 of their men.[6] Following this incident, the group issued a statement about the casualties they suffered during the fighting, claiming to have lost twenty men during this fighting. [2].[5]
^Al-Jabassini, Abdullah (2019). From Insurgents to Soldiers: The Fifth Assault Corps in Daraa, Southern Syria. Wartime and Post-Conflict in Syria. European University Institute. ISBN978-92-9084-767-0.
