Ukrainian Special Forces Expand Operations to Syria and Sudan

Ukrainian Special Forces Expand Operations Beyond Home Front

In a surprising turn of events, Ukrainian Special Forces have expanded their operations far beyond the frontlines of their home country. Recent reports indicate that these elite units are now actively engaging Russian-backed fighters in both Syria and Sudan, marking a significant escalation in the global reach of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Operations in Syria

Strikes Against Russian Forces

In June 2024, Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) released footage showing their special operators coordinating with Syrian opposition rebels. Together, they launched a series of attacks on Russian forces inside Syria, targeting:

• Russian checkpoints
• Ammunition storage depots
• Logistics convoys carrying supplies

Additionally, Russian foot patrols were ambushed with small arms fire, demonstrating the Ukrainian forces' ability to conduct guerrilla-style warfare in unfamiliar territory.

Improvised Tactics and Equipment

Given their distance from home and lack of direct supply lines, Ukrainian commandos have had to improvise their tactics and equipment. Reports suggest they have created makeshift mortar tubes in-country to use against Russian defensive positions. This adaptability showcases the resourcefulness and ingenuity of these special forces units operating in challenging conditions.

Insertion Methods

The presence of Ukrainian Special Forces in Syria, nearly 1,000 miles from Ukraine, raises questions about their insertion methods. Possible routes could include:

• Sailing south through the Black Sea, stopping in Turkey, then traveling overland into Syria
• Flying into Iraq and then moving overland through friendly checkpoints

The exact method remains classified, but these operations demonstrate Ukraine's ability to project force far beyond its borders.

Strategic Objectives in Syria

Diverting Russian Resources

Matthew Orr, a Eurasia analyst at a risk intelligence company, suggests that Ukraine's operations in Syria serve a broader strategic purpose. By threatening Russian interests in the Middle East and Africa, Ukraine forces Moscow to expend disproportionate resources securing its positions in these regions.

This strategy appears to be yielding results. In April 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the deployment of additional troops to their positions in Syria, particularly in the Golan Heights – the very area where Ukrainian SF units are reportedly operating.

Disrupting Russian Intelligence Gathering

The Golan Heights region, where much of the fighting is taking place, holds significant strategic value. Russian forces have been observed creating new forward operating bases and observation posts in this area, which borders Israel. This positioning allows Russian intelligence officers to gather valuable data on Western weapon systems used in frequent clashes between Israel, Hezbollah, and pro-Iranian militias.

By striking Russian positions in the Golan Heights, Ukrainian special forces may be attempting to disrupt this intelligence gathering capability, which could have implications for the conflict in Ukraine.

The Golan Heights: A Complex Battleground

Historical Context

The Golan Heights has been a disputed territory since Israel captured it from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel annexed the region in 1981, but the United Nations and most countries still consider it Syrian territory occupied by Israel. This complex history has made the area a focal point for various international actors.

Current Situation

The current situation in the Golan Heights involves multiple factions:

• Russian and Syrian government troops in the north
• Syrian rebels and Ukrainian special forces opposing them
• Israeli Defense Force (IDF) troops located just a few hundred kilometers away in the south

This intricate web of alliances and conflicts makes the region a potential flashpoint for broader international tensions.

Operations in Sudan

Targeting Wagner Group and RSF

Ukrainian Special Forces have also been active in Sudan, engaging Wagner Group mercenaries and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebel group. Their operations have included:

• FPV drone strikes on Wagner and RSF forces near the Sudanese capital
• Ground operations involving small teams of operators
• Nighttime attacks using thermal and night vision equipment

Strategic Objectives in Sudan

Ukraine's involvement in Sudan serves several purposes:

1. Disrupting Wagner Group operations and forcing them to divert resources to self-protection
2. Supporting the sitting Sudanese government, which has been a major supplier of arms and ammunition to Ukraine
3. Preventing Russia from gaining full access to Sudan's raw resources, particularly gold deposits
4. Maintaining a supply line for small arms to Ukraine

Broader Implications

Economy of Force

Ukraine's decision to deploy special forces to Syria and Sudan, despite ongoing manpower shortages at home, reflects an "economy of force" strategy. These elite units can potentially have a greater impact through clandestine missions abroad than they would on the frontlines in Ukraine.

Asymmetrical Warfare Advantage

By striking at Russian interests in multiple theaters, Ukraine gains an asymmetrical warfare advantage. This approach forces Russia to spread its resources thin and respond to threats across a wider geographical area.

International Cooperation

Some analysts suggest that Ukraine's operations in Syria and Sudan may be part of a tacit agreement with Western allies. In exchange for military backing in its war against Russia, Ukraine could be assisting in efforts to combat Russian mercenaries in Africa and the Middle East.

Potential for Escalation

The expansion of the conflict beyond Ukraine's borders carries risks of further escalation. A leaked U.S. intelligence analysis suggested that such operations could potentially lead to Russian forces supporting attacks against U.S. troops in Syria.

Conclusion

The involvement of Ukrainian Special Forces in Syria and Sudan represents a significant evolution in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. By expanding their operations to these distant theaters, Ukraine is attempting to disrupt Russian interests, gather intelligence, and gain strategic advantages that extend beyond the immediate battlefield in Eastern Europe.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community will be closely watching how these covert operations impact the broader geopolitical landscape. The actions of Ukrainian Special Forces in Syria and Sudan may well shape the future course of not only the war in Ukraine but also the balance of power in the Middle East and Africa.

While the full extent and long-term consequences of these operations remain to be seen, it is clear that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has entered a new, more complex phase with global implications. As both nations continue to vie for strategic advantage, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings stability to these troubled regions and an end to the ongoing hostilities.

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