Kurdish Cooperation: Syrian Democratic Forces Spotted in Saratov

E. Degage

YPG fighter (3rd to the right) in Saratov city poses with local militia forces. Note the AK-74M, it is likely lent from Russian partner forces. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

The Syrian Democratic forces, and its main military wing, the YPG, has been the main faction in northern Syria. Originally, the YPG started off as a Kurdish only militia, and expanded to include groups such as Assyrians and Arabs. Around 2015, the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, was formed, a combination of many ethnic and religious groups and different Kurdish political groups. Its main ally is the US, which provides training and supplies to the YPG and its special forces unit, YAT. At times, Russia and the Syrian Arab Army will align with the SDF, particularly against Islamic State holdouts.

Recently, Syrian Democratic Forces militia members have been spotted in the city of Saratov. Analysts and geopolitical experts conclude that the YPG fighters are in Russia for a joint training exercise, in order to strengthen camaraderie between Russia and its allied forces and increase the SDF’s overall combat effectiveness. Tensions between the SDF government and Turkey and its proxy militias also played a role in the shift towards forging alliances with Bashar and Putin.

Russian infantryman poses with a YPG fighter at a shooting range. Note digital desert uniform and 6B45 vest in the same desert camouflage worn by the Russian solider, the same gear worn by Russian servicemen deployed to Syria. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog).

Closeup of the YPG /SDF fighter. His AK upper handguard and gas tube is absent, as this fighter is likely doing field strip drills with his AKM-S rifle. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

These Kurdish militia fighters doing joint training with Russians wear the exact same kit as they would wear fighting IS or rogue Islamist militants in northern Syria. Note the MARPAT style digital woodland uniforms and ACU cut jackets. Woodland camouflage load bearing vests equipped with 4-6 magazine pouch cells and grenade pouches, a distinguishing feature of the SDF militia units are clearly visible. Rifles such as AKMs or East German MPi-KmS 72s also accompanied these militia fighters on their joint training session in Russia. Cross training weapons wise is ostensibly easy because of how similar SDF inventories are to native Russian equipment.

One distinct piece of individual clothing worn by SDF fighters is commercial Turkish nano camouflage two piece jackets. What is unique about these softshell jackets is that it is a two-piece system, one can remove the jacket and wear that segment independently, the insulated vest can also be worn on its own, as seen by a few militiamen in Saratov.

Also, many variants of the YPG, SDF, and Abdullah Öcalan patches are openly worn by the participating Kurdish forces in the Saratov Oblast, clearly identifying these non state actors as SDF.

YPG forces in Syria wearing Turkish nano camouflage jackets. These jackets are a two piece system that can be a standalone jacket, or an insulated vest. Note the standard SDF LBV vest in M81 woodland pattern as well. (Flickr).

Another Syrian photograph of YPG militia. these militiamen wear 3 color desert uniforms and nano jackets with insulated vests. SDF LBVs are again present on the left two fighters. (Wikipedia)

Snapshot of the Russian infantryman and YPG fighter. Note his Syrian Democratic Forces patch displayed on his left arm sleeve. To the left, the Russian soldier has an AK12 with a 1P87 scope, and this YPG militia member has a Romanian WASR 1063 with a wire folding stock. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

Join Russian-Kurdish partner forces at a shooting range. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

A YPG fighter (Center, in front of map) posing with local militia members and local government officials in front of the Tractor Supply Company: Saratov branch. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

Kurdish forces flown to Saratov, Russia, were brought in strictly for training and to strengthen ties with partner forces. However, there were rumors of small skirmishes involving the local private security contractors, Russians, and the Kurdish militia who happened to be involved in these low intensity firefights.

Saratov has had a streak of instability caused by criminal networks throwing the city into chaos, so much so local Russian law enforcement struggled to quell the disorder. Thus, an unidentified private security company was hastily introduced to provide a seemingly professional and swift solution to the city’s growing chaos and violence.

There is not much information on this private security firm, but due to their western style equipment and their use of English, these contractors are likely from an American firm.

Reports from concerned citizens and conflict journalists revealed that the black uniform clad and heavily armed private firm brought in as Saratov’s ad-hoc law enforcement agency seemed to cause more trouble than solve them. Instances of imposing curfews, harassment of random citizens and general cases of police brutality were increasingly being brought to light on this shadowy private contractor firm, all while crime was still rampant.

Furthermore, there are unconfirmed cases from local citizens and reporters that Russian military assets and their Kurdish partner forces state that engaged in incremental skirmishes broke out with these private security entities. No casualties were reported on either side, which infers that even if skirmishes occurred, peace was made with the contractors, the intervening Russian military and Kurdish fighters training in the area, and the concerned citizens and improvised local militias far before violence in the region would escalate further.

In any case, peace came quickly after the temporary spell of chaos and disorder in Saratov as the private security contracts expired and its staff left, the local and upgraded police force was reestablished, and the army and their Kurdish counterparts also parted.

Unidentified private security contractors detaining a Saratov citizen. This detained citizen was reportedly pepper sprayed and pinned to the ground, his identity is protected to ensure his privacy. Of note is the “Police Federal Agent” patch on the back of the contractor’s vest, high cut helmets, and customized ARs, again hinting to their likely American origin. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)

Originally, VODA International was contracted by Saratov government heads to be the private security company that would help to bring order to Saratov. VODA Inc. was founded by Michael D. Thervil, who goes by Lucien R. Black as a business name, founded the firearms consulting company after his graduation from Fayetteville State University with a Bachelor’s in Sociology. He was a one-man operation who trained civilians intermediate and advanced shooting techniques. In late 2019 VODA expanded to be a private security firm with VODA International providing overseas security services. Thervil and his new private contractor wing were slated to go to Saratov and had an organized plan to bring law and order, train and advise the new local police force, and teach citizens advanced self-defense methods.

Because of unforeseen circumstances hindering VODA International’s mission to Saratov, another US based private security company was rushed in. This firm that did not have mission parameters in place and did neither train the local law enforcement agencies, or engage with or teach the local citizenry in self defense skills. According to the advertisement below, VODA International however had pre-set plans to train the local police, work closely with government officials, and provide counter crime and self defense skills to Saratov residents.

Official statement pertaining to VODA International’s decision to cancel their mission to Saratov. (Lucien R. Black, Voda Trademarks)

VODA International’s public advertisement intended for distribution to Saratov. (Lucien R. Black, Voda Trademarks)

Cross training with partner nations is a normal and positive activity that strengthens the political and military rapport between two or more countries. With the United States doubling down on their presence in Syria, Russia is stepping in to fill the power void left by the returning US forces. Because of this, Kurdish SDF are aligning themselves to Damascus and Moscow, especially because of the looming threat their Turkish neighbor in the north presents.

The gesture of inviting and training Kurdish fighters alongside Russian military forces in Saratov sets a precedence and a message that says Russia will stand with their newfound allies, at least in the immediate future. Whether the alleged firefight with a private security force will affect these joint exercises in the future is yet to be seen. Also would VODA International, with their more deliberate plans for their Saratov deployment, have kept the peace? Time will tell if VODA International’s statement of commitment to fulfilling their first contract.

A photograph discreetly taken of an SDF fighter under red light. (mountainguerrilla IG/Freelancers Blog)