Ukrainian Forces Attack Russian Positions in Syria's Golan Heights: Report

Ukrainian special forces have reportedly attacked Russian checkpoints, strongholds, foot patrols, and convoys of military equipment in the Golan Heights, Syria, in March 2024.

A video obtained by the Kyiv Post documents these operations, reportedly showcasing Ukrainian forces targeting Russian mercenaries.

The footage reveals Ukrainian special forces from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MOU) and Syrian rebels collaborating to destroy Russian mercenaries aligned with Bashar Assad's regime. The attacks focused on the southern part of Syria, specifically the Golan Heights, where Russian troops are concentrated. According to an anonymous source within the GUR, Ukrainian-supported rebels have conducted numerous strikes on Russian military facilities since the beginning of the year. These facilities are under the control of the "group of forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the Syrian Arab Republic."

The video shows the use of grenade launchers and self-made "Tarab" mortars against defensive positions, foot patrols, and vehicles.

This development follows Russia's 2015 intervention in Syria to support President Assad, leading to the deployment of thousands of Russian troops. However, some troops and equipment were redeployed from Syria to Ukraine last fall, possibly increasing the vulnerability of Russian forces in Syria.

Moreover, the long-term Russian presence has established recruiting centers for Syrian mercenaries to fight in Ukraine. These efforts are managed by the "Center for Reconciliation of the Conflicting Parties and Management of the Migration of Refugees" at the Russian-occupied Khmeimim Air Base. Here, mercenaries are issued Russian passports and integrated into the Russian Armed Forces.

In May 2023, GUR head Kyrylo Budanov vowed to target Russian war criminals globally. Ukrainian special forces also continue to pursue pro-Kremlin mercenaries from the Wagner PMC in Sudan, as evidenced by a February video of Ukrainian forces interrogating captured Wagner operatives in Sudan.

Ukrainian FPV Drones Destroy Russian Convoy Near Kursk Border

Additionally, Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a Russian military convoy in the Sudzha district of the Kursk region using FPV drones on June 3, 2024. They also targeted a Russian S-300/400 air defense system in Belgorod with HIMARS MLRS.

The Ukrainian military detected a large convoy of Russian vehicles, consisting mostly of KAMAZ and Ural army trucks and semi-trailers, moving 3km from the border with the Sumy region. The Aerial Reconnaissance Group “Malibu” of the 53rd Brigade and Wings to Hell from the 103rd Brigade hit the lead and closing vehicles of the convoy, then methodically struck the rest using FPV drones. Despite attempts by the Russian military to disperse and hide the convoy, at least eight vehicles were hit or completely burned. Coordination and target reconnaissance were carried out using a Ukrainian Shark reconnaissance drone. Some vehicles managed to evade the ambush.

Previous operations in the area included the destruction of three Russian Buk-M1 anti-aircraft system launchers in May using Ukrainian RAM II loitering munitions. Videos of numerous strikes have been released online.