russia's hidden toll: over 500 soldiers lost in syria conflict
As reported by the BBC, Russia has lost over 500 soldiers in Syria since 2015, most of whom are members of the Wagner Group. When the rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad's government, the dictator went to Russia, where he gained political asylum due to a decision by Vladimir Putin himself.
7:39 AM EST, December 10, 2024
Since 2015, Russia has lost at least 543 soldiers in Syria, reports the "Moscow Times," citing BBC information. The data comes from an analysis of media publications, social media posts, and information from cemeteries and military monuments. Officially, the Russian Ministry of Defense has only confirmed the deaths of 116 soldiers.
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The greatest losses were suffered by the Wagner Group, whose members total 346 dead. The first losses were recorded in October 2015, with the largest occurring in 2018 during clashes with American artillery and aviation in the Hisham region. Recently, two naval officers, Captains 1st Rank Stepan Alekterski and Nikolai Mikhaylenko, along with two Syrian generals, likely fell into an ambush by Islamic State fighters and were killed.
Among the fallen were soldiers from elite Russian units, including officers from FSB special forces, special forces soldiers, and military pilots. A division general, 10 colonels, and at least 60 officers also died.
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As "Newsweek" reports, Russia entered Syria for two reasons. The Kremlin wanted to help Assad maintain power and reestablish its prominence in world politics while addressing the ISIS terrorist problem, which the West was struggling to handle. The "Moscow Times" reminds us that in March 2016, Russia announced the end of its military operation in Syria and the withdrawal of troops, but this move was ultimately not made. Currently, the Kremlin has received security guarantees for its military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria from the new leaders of the Syrian opposition.
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