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Source: https://www.ridl.io/en/russian-operation-goes-offshore-in-syria/
Pro-Russian Sunni Forces in Southwest Syria Provide Buffer Against Shiite Groups
(Riddle-Russia) Anton Mardasov and Kirill Semyonov - Fighters in the pro-Russian 8th Brigade of the 5th Assault Corps (FAC) in southwestern Syria are developing an alternative center of power to the Assad government and are seeking to prevent the empowerment of Shiite groups in the area. The brigade's commander, former rebel leader Ahmad Al-Oda, was supported by Israel, Jordan and the UAE until 2018. He is now assisted by a Russian liaison officer. In April 2019, the 8th Brigade had 1,585 personnel; now it has 3,000. Its autonomy is causing anger and perplexity in Damascus. The Sunni insurgent formations in southwest Syria surrendered only their heavy weapons and have not been fully disarmed. Moscow's backing allows them to deter Iranian expansion in the area. Anton Mardasov is an expert at the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC). Kirill Semyonov heads the Center for Islamic Studies at the Innovative Development Institute.