Defense Companies (Syria)
The Brigades for the Defense of the Revolution, commonly referred to as Defense Companies, Defense Corps or Defense Brigades (Arabic: سرايا الدفاع; Sarāyā ad-Difāʿ) were an all-Alawite paramilitary force in Syria that were commanded by Rifaat al-Assad. Their task was to defend the Assad government, and Damascus, from internal and external attack.
| Brigades for the Defense of the Revolution (Defense Companies / Defense Brigades) سرايا الدفاع | |
|---|---|
Defense Companies shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 1971–1984 |
| Country | Syria |
| Allegiance | Syrian Armed Forces |
| Branch | Airborne Forces Armoured Corps |
| Type | Praetorian Guard Shock Troops Special operations force |
| Role | Airborne forces Armoured warfare Counter-insurgency Direct action Raiding Special operations Urban warfare |
| Size | 55,000 (peak in 1982) |
| Part of | Division Command HQ 5 Brigades 26 Battalions |
| Garrison/HQ | Damascus Mezzeh Military Airport |
| Equipment | T-72 tanks BM-21 Grad Mil Mi-24D Attack helicopters 122 mm howitzer 2A18 (D-30) 2S4 Tyulpan heavy mortars Ilyushin Il-76 Transport aircraft |
| Engagements |
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| Commanders | |
| Ceremonial chief | Maj. Gen. Rifaat al-Assad |
| Notable commanders |
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In 1984 the 55,000 strong Defense Companies was broken up and merged into the Syrian Arab Army expanding the Republican Guard, and the 14th Special Forces Division comprising 5 Special Forces regiments. The rump force then became the 569th Armored Division, which years later became the 4th Armoured division
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