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The ISIS Hunters were a special forces unit of the Syrian Army, formed in 2017 during the Syrian civil war. The unit was informal part of Wagner PMC in Syria.[2][3] Between 2021 and 2023, the unit was formally dissolved.[4] However, their actions and patches are still being posted on Russian Special Forces Telegram, proving that the unit still exists and perform special operations in 2024.[citation needed]
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| ISIS Hunters | |
|---|---|
| Active | 2017–2023[1] |
| Country |  Syria |
| Role | Special forces |
| Engagements | Syrian Civil War |
The ISIS Hunters were formed in early 2017 after the Syrian Armed Forces were routed in the December 2016 battle of Palmyra.[2] The group's fighters are integrated into the 5th Army Corps, a formation formed in November 2016 with Russian support, composed entirely of volunteers.[5]
Russia's goal in forming the ISIS Hunters was to build forces that can serve as a counterweight to Iran in Syria, as their objectives in the region differ from those of Moscow.[5] The training of the ISIS Hunters was supervised by the Russians, particularly by the private military company Wagner Group, and their weapons and equipment are also supplied by Russia.[2]
The group's strength was probably a few dozen men.
In early 2017, the ISIS Hunters were operating in the Palmyra area, where they were responsible for protecting the military airport, as well as gas and oil fields.[5]
In February 2018, the ISIS Hunters were engaged in the Battle of Khasham near Deir ez-Zor against the Syrian Democratic Forces.[6] During this battle, they were subjected to U.S. bombing, resulting in the alleged loss of between 80 and 100 of their men.[6] Following this incident, the group issued a statement about the casualties they suffered during the fighting.[5]
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