Ukrainian military intelligence is conducting active operations in the region of northern Syria, establishing contacts with local opposition militants and even recruiting them to participate in anti-Russian operations. This is stated in an article by the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan, according to Komersant ukrainskyi
According to the newspaper’s sources, the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, has established personal communication with the leader of one of the paramilitary groups opposed to the Syrian government, Tahrir al-Sham, Abu Muhammad al-Julani.
At the same time, Russian special services claim to the Syrian press that Budanov’s activities are aimed at recruiting Syrian militants to organise attacks on Russian targets both in Syria and abroad. In particular, according to the Russians, militants from Idlib (a city in northern Syria) could be used in dangerous operations to attack Russian military bases and other strategic facilities.
According to Russian sources, the recruitment is taking place publicly and openly, which is causing concern among the Russian military.
The publication claims that relations between Ukraine and some Syrian groups are becoming systemic.
A week ago, Turkish media reported on the relevant contacts between the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the group. In particular, it was said that Ukraine had allegedly offered the rebels 75 attack drones in exchange for the release from rebel prisons of several terrorist leaders whom Ukraine wanted to use to attack Russian targets. At the same time, the media circulated a photo of a man wearing a T-shirt with a trident, which makes this information less believable.
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Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) is a Salafist rebel coalition formed in 2017 in Syria by uniting several anti-government groups, including the former Jabhat al-Nusra. Headed by Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the HTS aims to overthrow the Bashar al-Assad regime and establish Sharia law in Syria. The organisation considers the Syrian regime, Iran and Russia to be its main enemies, and is in conflict with the Islamic State and several other rebel groups.
The HTS quickly gained support among Syrian Sunnis and foreign jihadists. It includes a special unit, Malhama Tactical, consisting mainly of Russian-speaking Muslims, including veterans of the Russian armed forces. There are reports of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s support for the GTF, although these allegations are disputed.
The organisation is active in the fighting against Russian forces in Syria. The GTF has reported successful attacks on Russian units, including the destruction of a military helicopter and casualties among Russian special forces in Hama province. There were also reports of the elimination of a group of Russian mercenaries from the Wagner PMC in October 2017.