Syria: Ukrainian officers along with Turkish officers in the Syrian coast!

Local and military sources in Syria reported the presence of a number of Ukrainian officers in the coastal city of Latakia, accompanied by Turkish officers and fighters from pro-Ankara factions.

Reports indicate that these officers belong to Ukrainian intelligence and have been spotted staying in prominent hotels in the city, including the Miramar and al Qasr hotels, under heavy guard from local and Turkish personnel.

According to sources, the Ukrainian officers are believed to be tasked with coordinating operations targeting Russian bases on the Syrian coast, in cooperation with armed factions comprising foreign fighters, particularly Chechens, who share a common enmity with Russia.

Sources indicated that the Syrian coast has recently become a hub for intense international intelligence activity, amid the state of security chaos and weak central control.

Reports spoke of a previous role played by these officers in training armed factions, most notably Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, on the use of drones to target Syrian regime positions, including previous attacks on military airports such as Kuweires Airport in the north of the country.

According to available information, Ukrainian officers’ current activity is focused on training factions deployed along the Syrian coast to target sensitive Russian military bases, such as the Hmeimim Air Base and the port of Tartus.

This move, according to military sources, aims to distract Russian forces and increase pressure through increased security and military costs.

Reports link the presence of Ukrainian officers to increased harassment and hostile activity around Russian facilities, including the Naval Academy in Jableh and the Air Defense Battalion in Amrit.

Sources indicate that these sites are launching points for drones, which are often targeted when attempting to approach Russian facilities.

Although Russia maintains a large military presence on the Syrian coast, it has not yet taken direct action against Ukrainian officers.

Observers believe that the Turkish escort of these officers is a temporary deterrent to any Russian action, despite the likelihood that they are being closely monitored by Russian intelligence and its patrols deployed in Latakia.

The Ukrainian presence in Syria isn’t new, as reports revealed since September 2024, with more than 250 Ukrainian personnel and military experts had entered areas controlled by Hay’at Tahrir al Sham, as their missions include training HTS fighters in drone manufacturing and participating in targeted attacks against Russian and Syrian forces.