Military experts treat Chechen servicemen in Syria as mercenaries’ helpers

The strength of the Russian military contingent in Syria is estimated at 7000, with the main surface combat units being the mercenaries from the so-called "Vagner group" and Chechen servicemen, military political analysts believe. In their opinion, the "Vagner" fighters take part in the warfare, while the Chechen servicemen ensure security for the Russian contingent.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a new battalion of military police went to Syria from Chechnya. The “Rosbalt” reported this on April 19 with reference to its source.

According to Pavel Felgengauer, an observer for the “Novaya Gazeta”, Chechen and Ingush military policemen are about a thousand, that is 15% of contingent.

Alexander, a military journalist, has noted that, apart from the battalions from Northern Caucasus, there is about a thousand servicemen strong infantry battalion of the Black Sea Fleet taking their service in Syria.

In the opinion of Alexander Perendjiev, an expert of the Association of Independent Military Political Scientists, an Associate Professor of the Division of Political Sciences and Sociology at the Plekhanov Russian Economic University, the new battalion will not participate in battles.

According to his version, the functions of the unit "include maintenance of discipline and work with the local population."

Mr Perendjiev has also pointed to the role of the head of Chechnya, assuming that "with the help of Ramzan Kadyrov, Russia is at least poorly connected with the Islamic world."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.