Pro-Government Militias

Pro-Government Militia Website

Documentation for Desert Falcons (Suqur al-Sahra)

April 8, 2014
Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad. “The Desert Falcons: An Elite Pro-Assad Force.” Available at http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/desert-falcons-elite-pro-assad-force/?cp=all#comments

“In the ongoing rebel offensive on Latakia, a new force on the regime side has come to light: namely, the Suqur al-Sahara’ (‘Desert Falcons’).
The Arabic outlet El-Nashra explains:
‘Among these forces [that have emerged in the Syrian civil war] are the Desert Falcons that are fighting in Kasab and are considered the prong of attack and defence of the region especially at Point 45. They began operating in Homs and especially on the borders with Iraq to cut supply/aid paths between armed men in the two lands.
These forces are considered among the elite of men fighting in Syria in support of President Bashar al-Assad, and there are fighting in its ranks members of military expertise, retired officers and members of the army, as well as volunteers from Syrian youth and age groups averaging between 25 and 40 years of age.
The Desert Falcons forces have medium capabilities and arms as well as machine-gun fire, and the army supports it with artillery when necessary, but it specializes in setting up ambushes and carrying out difficult special assignments.
They have already carried out a large number of combat missions on the Jordanian and Iraqi borders, and a group of them are currently participating in the battles in the Kasab area and its surrounding.’
Rather than a merely symbolic presence, the Desert Falcons are a real fighting force and are acknowledged by the Muqawama Suriya as an allied group in the fight to retake Kasab.”

April 26, 2014
Al-Tamimi, Aymenn Jawad. “The Latakia Front.” Available at http://www.aymennjawad.org/14706/the-latakia-front/

“In addition to the Muqawama Suriya, two other irregular regime-aligned forces are playing a role in the ongoing fight by the regime to retake Kasab. The first of these is the Ba'ath Brigades, which also plays a role in the fighting in Aleppo province and whose local Latakia commander- Hussam Ibrahim Khadra- was killed recently. The second is the Suqur al-Sahara ('Desert Falcons': see my profile here) elite forces that previously have tried to secure Syrian desert border areas with Iraq and Jordan.”

May 7, 2014
Friedland, Elliot. 2014. “Who’s Who in the Syrian Civil War.” The Clarion Project, available at http://www.clarionproject.org/sites/default/files/Clarion%20Project%20Syrian%20Civil%20War%20Factsheet.pdf

“Militia units that support Assad have been organized and combined into the National Defense Force. These militias provide infantry to support the army. Due to fears over the loyalty of the army and the risk of defections, Assad typically sends regular units into battle alongside loyal militias such as Suqur al-Sahara (The Desert Falcons).”

Nov. 18, 2014
Al-Monitor

“Following fierce battles, the Syrian army recaptured the al-Shaer gas field from the Islamic State (IS) Nov. 6, for the second time.
(…) The army's rapid progress can be attributed to Hassan's strategy of high-intensity attacks on enemy positions while making swift land assaults. According to the officer, these actions were followed by calls for reinforcements from the Desert Falcons, an elite force expert in desert fighting.”

Dec. 16, 2014
UK Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration. 2014. “Country Information and Guidance. Syria: Security And humanitarian Situation.” Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/388629/CIG_-_Syria_-_Security_Situation_-_2014-12-16_-_v1_r.pdf

“Suqur al-Sahara is a paramilitary pro-government force mainly active in Homs, Kasab, and Latakia areas. Initially, the Desert Falcons operated in desert border areas with Iraq and Jordan to counter supply networks for groups opposing the Syrian government. The militia is composed by former military officers, veterans, and volunteers drawn from other pro-government militant groups. It is considered an elite force, specialising in ambushes and special operations' missions equipped with light and medium weapons. In June 2013, the Desert Falcons took part in the battle for the capture of the town of al-Qaryatayan in Homs province” (p. 16).

June 4, 2016
Al Masdar News

Available at: https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-desert-hawks/

In a matter of two years, the Syrian Desert Hawks (var. Liwaa Suqour Al-Sahra) have become one of the most effective fighting forces in the Syrian War; (...)
The Desert Hawks were originally started by a retired Syrian Army officer, General Mohammad Jaber, in early 2013. (...)
Syria is not known for its prevalence of defense contracting companies; so when General Jaber went searching for mercenaries to protect his oil assets in the Syrian Desert, he quickly realized he was alone in this matter. With his hundreds of millions of dollars, General Jaber decided to recruit former soldiers from the Syrian Arab Army’s Special Forces. General Jaber offered generous wages to these men in return for their allegiance and protection. (...)
Unlike the Syrian Arab Army, General Jaber purchased most of the equipment for his mercenaries from western arms dealers. From desert camouflage battle fatigues to U.S. manufactured pick-up trucks; these soldiers-for-hire were well-equipped for their future assignments. (...)
Before ISIS’ presence in northeast Homs, the Desert Hawks rarely participated in battles against the anti-government forces. When the predominately Armenian city of Kessab was captured by the jihadist rebels in 2014, several Desert Hawks from rural Latakia received permission from General Jaber to help drive back Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham and reclaim the Turkish border-crossing. Following the Kessab battle, the Desert Hawks returned to their posts, until they were asked by the Syrian government to help liberate the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields in late 2014.The Desert Hawks honored this request from the government and helped liberate the Al-Sha’ar Gas Fields.
(…)Known for his theatrical appearances and large presence, General Jaber reached out to the Russians and offered his force in exchange for weapons and armor. The war was losing General Jaber money; this was an opportunity for him to reclaim his wealth, while also displaying his patriotism.