Two Chechen special forces battalions of the Defense Ministry are being deployed to Syria, the Kommersant newspaper reported Thursday.
On Dec. 6, the news site Kavkaz.Realii reported that the two battalions, known as Vostok and Zapad, were leaving the Khankala military base in Grozny and published a video shot by one of the troops.
It is believed that the battalions will guard the Russian airfield at Hmeimim in Syria's Latakia province, as well as territory under Syrian government control.
On Dec. 7, the television channel Dozhd, citing a source close to the leadership of the Chechen Republic and a relative of one of the troops, reported that the battalions were being sent to Syria to carry out "anti-terrorist" operations.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
