Evolution of the Syrian Military: Main Trends and Challenges
... the beginning of the war, the state and its armed forces have been heavily relying on the support of non-state pro-government armed groups which contribute to the erosion of the country’s central military command. Such situation did lead to further fragmentation ... ... militia and armed groups operating in Latakia and was under direct command of the SAA. Later in 2016, Russia created and trained 5th Corps which unites different NDF groups and former Syrian army defectors who decided to realign. In 2015, Russian military ...