ISIS Hunters

The ISIS Hunters were formed in early 2017. The group's Facebook page appeared on February 27, and the following day, it also registered on Twitter. The Syrian government's need for such unit was driven after the rout of the Syrian regime's forces in the Battle of Palmyra in December 2016. == History ==

The ISIS Hunters were formed in early 2017 after the Syrian Arab Armed Forces were routed in the December 2016 battle of Palmyra. 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. The unit was merged/affiliated with private military company known as Al-Sayad Security Company, which was located in the city of Al-Suqaylabiyah. The company was formed in March 2017. It recruited volunteers from 22 to 46 years old with good physical training. == Formation ==

The unit was part of the 5th Army Corps's. Equipment was represented by standard uniforms, helmets and body armour. Armament consists of assault rifles AK-47, AKS-74U, AK-74M and AKM, grenade launchers RPG-7 and machine guns. There were also drones and 122 mm D-30 howitzers available to them. == Known Engagements ==

On 23 March 2017, North of Palmyra in the Al-Shaer gas field area, the unit engaged 120 Islamic State fighters, killing 24 militants and wounding 12 others. Also ISIS Hunters destroyed an enemy anti-aircraft gun using a drone. They were supported by Syrian T-72 tanks in the clash. During the offensive near Deir ez-Zor in September of that year, the unit became the first to cross the Euphrates. In February 2018, the ISIS Hunters were engaged in the Battle of Khasham near Deir ez-Zor against the Syrian Democratic Forces. During this battle, they were subjected to U.S. bombing, resulting in the alleged loss of between 80 and 100 of their men. 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. As of April 2019, the unit lost 30 killed, of which 20 were killed in February 2018 near Khasham when they were caught in airstrikes of the US Air Force. == Notable 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 and look especially old. The group is composed mostly of Russians. • Amir Ahmad Ahmad — one of the fighters. On 14 May 2017, he issued a video message accusing the Americans of having ties to ISIL and condemned shairat base missile strikes. • Ivan Slyshkin — PMC Wagner employee. He participated in training the fighters of the ISIS Hunters. He died on 12 February 2017 at the hands of sniper near the Shaer gas field. == Flag and symbolism ==

In the centre of the emblem is a skull and crossbones in a target (the symbol of the Syrian Republican Guard), on the sides are bullet holes, and at the top and bottom is the inscription "ISIS Hunters" in English and Arabic. == Areas of operation ==

The unit had fought in the following regions: • Palmyra (in early 2017, the IS Hunters were responsible here for protecting the military airport as well as gas and oil fields) • Deir ez-Zor (recorded participation in battle of Khasham near Deir ez-Zor against the Syrian Democratic Forces) • Shayer (Homs Desert gas field region), Akrabat (rural area in Hama) • Jazal (oil region in Homs Desert), Ghouta (under Damascam), desert areas. • Ghouta (near Damascus) • Other desert areas == References ==