Ukrainian HUR special forces hit Russian base in Syria
Kuweires airbase, located east of Aleppo, Syria. (Photo via Google Earth)
Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate’s (HUR) Special Forces conducted a significant strike against Russian military assets in Syria, as confirmed by exclusive videos and photos obtained by the newspaper Kyiv Post. HUR continues its operations against Russian military capabilities around the world.
Attack on Kuweires Airbase
According to Kyiv Post, the Khimik group executed a strike against Russian forces stationed at the Kuweires airbase, located east of Aleppo. This operation carried out at the end of July 2024, targeted Russian military equipment, including a mobile electronic warfare (EW) complex, followed by drone attacks on additional military objects at the base. As a result, two pilots who serve in the Syrian Air Force were killed according to the reports.
They were identified as Col. Haitham Deeb from Latakia and Lt. Col. Nizar al-Khayr from Tartus.
The strike took place shortly after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar Assad on July 24, highlighting the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.
Ongoing Ukrainian operations in Syria and beyond
Since 2015, the Kuweires airbase has been under Russian control and used for military operations, training, and the transportation of foreign mercenaries to Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence sources speaking to the Kyiv Post indicate that the base also serves as a recruitment hub for Syrian mercenaries, who are then integrated into the Russian Armed Forces.
Kuweiris Airbase is home to the Syrian military’s Air College. In recent years, Kuweiris has received significant Syrian and Russian military investment. It’s currently home to a squadron of L-39 trainers and light attack jets – used to train new pilots. The base itself is run jointly by the regime’s Air Force Intelligence directorate and the Syrian’s 25th Special Tasks Division, aka the Tiger Forces, founded by Russia and run by Maj. Gen. Suheil al-Hassan.
Broader context of Ukrainian operations
Ukraine’s counter-Russia military campaign extends beyond Ukraine. Ukraine’s HUR has been actively engaging Russia’s Wagner mercenaries in Sudan and other African regions. In February, again the Kyiv Post obtained footage of Ukrainian forces interrogating captured Wagner Group mercenaries in Sudan, who disclosed their mission to overthrow the Sudanese government.
Additionally, exclusive videos have shown Ukrainian drones engaging Russian mercenaries and their local partners in Sudan. HUR Chief Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov has committed to pursuing military targets against Russia globally.
