Hêzên Komandos
Active2020-present
AllegianceSyrian Democratic Forces
TypeCounterinsurgency
Size1,120+
EngagementsBattle of al-Hasakah (2022)

The Hêzên Komandos (English: Commando Forces, Arabic: قوات الكوماندوس) are a counterinsurgency force within the Syrian Democratic Forces, trained and equipped by the U.S. Department of Defense. The force primarily targets the Islamic State in High Value Target raids and clearance operations.[1]

History

SDF Commandos receiving CQB (close quarters combat) training from U.S. Army personnel.

Hêzên Komandos has been in existence since at least 2020,[2] while earlier SDF “commando” units have existed since at least 2018.[3] In 2020, the Commando Forces reportedly raided 56 sites in a single anti-ISIS operation in Deir Ezzor, with support from the International Coalition.[4] On 25 February 2021, the Commandos raided illegal river crossings on the Euphrates used by smugglers.[5] The SDF deployed the Commando Forces to suppress the al-Sina’a Prison break in 2022.[6][7]

Support by U.S.-led Coalition

Hêzên Komandos are officially trained and armed by the U.S. Department of Defense, which describes the unit as “the SDF’s premier counterterrorism strike force.” The U.S. DoD has assessed that “SDF Commando units can effectively conduct detention operations, maneuvers, patrols, and large-scale clearance operations.”[8]

By February 2020, the DoD had a two-year plan in place to train 1,120 SDF Commandos.[9] As of 2023, the department continues to assist in training and equipping five Commando “companies.”[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Justification for FY Overseas Operations COUNTER-ISLAMIC STATE (ISIS) TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND (CTEF)" (PDF). asafm.army.mil. April 2022. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  2. ↑ "Commandos graduate its 6th session in Euphrates territory". sdf-press.com. 27 April 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  3. ↑ "Opening Of The First Commando Courses In The Euphrates Territory". sdf-press.com. 29 August 2018. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  4. ↑ "SDF announces end of first phase of joint operation with Coalition in Syria". North Press Agency. 10 June 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  5. ↑ Ali, Muhammad (25 February 2021). "SDF raids river crossings in Syria's east Deir ez-Zor". North Press Agency. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  6. ↑ van Wilgenburg, Wladimir (25 January 2022). "Syria: Kurdish-led forces storm Hasakah prison as fight with Islamic State continues". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  7. ↑ "IS militants surrender as Kurdish-led forces surround Syria prison". BBC. 25 January 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  8. ↑ O’Donnell, Sean W. (31 December 2021). "OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE LEAD INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT TO CONGRESS" (PDF). stateoig.gov. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  9. ↑ "Justification for FY 2021 Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) COUNTER-ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA (ISIS) TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND (CTEF)" (PDF). asafm.army.mil. February 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  10. ↑ "JUSTIFICATION FOR FY 2024 COUNTER-ISLAMIC STATE OF IRAQ AND SYRIA (ISIS) TRAIN AND EQUIP FUND (CTEF)" (PDF). asafm.army.mil. March 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
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