The 25th Special Tasks Division, previously known as the “Tiger Force,” has long been considered the spearhead of the Assad regime’s ground offensives. However, in the face of the recent rapid advances by revolutionary forces under the Command of Military Operations (CMO) in the Repelling the Aggression campaign, the division is struggling to live up to its reputation. While it remains one of Assad’s strongest military units and benefits from close ties to Russia, the 25th Division now finds itself on the back foot against a well-organized and tactically advanced opponent.
The Tiger’s Renamed
Known for its ties to Russia and controversial tactics, the 25th Division has become central to Assad’s strategy to maintain power. Originally formed in 2013 to operate with Air Force Intelligence, the Tiger Forces gained a reputation for battlefield efficiency. Yet, the division’s response to the surprise and rapidity of the revolutionary advances in Aleppo, Idlib, and Hama has been lackluster.
In 2019, the unit was re-branded as the 25th Special Tasks Division, formalizing its role within Assad’s military hierarchy. While smaller than other divisions, its size enables it to move swiftly between critical fronts, making it invaluable in major battles.
At the helm is Brigadier General Suhail al-Hassan, also known as the “Tiger.” Hailing from Jableh and of Alawite descent, al-Hassan has built a career in Air Force Intelligence, gaining expertise in counterinsurgency. His battlefield command and relationship with Russia have earned him the reputation as “Russia’s man” in Syria, and under his leadership, the division has become a dependable asset for offensive operations against Assad’s opposition.
The division’s upper ranks feature key figures like Major General Saleh Al-Abdullah, tasked with troop deployments, especially in Aleppo and Idlib. Commanders such as Ali Taha of the Taha Assault Brigade and Ali Shaheen of the Seven Forces lead affiliated units within the division, contributing to its operational versatility.
Putin’s Proxy
Russia’s involvement is pivotal to the 25th Division’s effectiveness. Moscow, Assad’s chief backer, provides air and logistical support, essential to the division’s offensive capabilities. Russian advisors and trainers work closely with al-Hassan, ensuring the division is one of the best-equipped and trained forces at the regime’s disposal. Russian officers often are in close coordination with the 25th to provide air support and tactical guidance, especially during these ongoing battles – as can be seen on the front lines.
The re-branding of the division as a so-called “anti-terrorism unit” was largely influenced by Moscow’s desire to present the division as “a legitimate counterterrorism force,” aiming to shield it from international scrutiny over past war crimes. By framing the division in this way, Russia also seeks to ensure its own continued strategic influence in Syria.
The division combines regular military personnel with volunteer paramilitary units and militias, including specialized regiments like the Taha Assault Brigade and the Al-Haidar Regiment. These units are heavily involved in attacks against liberated areas, particularly urban and siege warfare, and have played significant roles in battles like the 2016 campaign in Aleppo, which caused severe civilian casualties. Russian airstrikes frequently support the division’s operations in Idlib and Hama.
Forced to Stand Alone
The division’s close ties to Russia have traditionally been a cornerstone of its operational success. Yet with its preoccupation in Ukraine, many of its military assets and attention have been focused far from Syria. Moscow’s limited engagement in the current conflict has left the division exposed. Revolutionary forces’ rapid advances and modern tactics have exploited this lack of Russian air support, forcing the division to rely more on its own capabilities.
Analysts warn that while the 25th Division is currently in retreat, should the division regroup, it could present a significant challenge to revolutionary forces. This is especially true if Russia decides to reassert its military involvement more directly. As the adage goes, a wounded tiger is often the most dangerous.
A Bloody Legacy
The 25th Division’s flexible structure includes irregular militias, whose autonomy has led to accusations of war crimes, including massacres and extrajudicial killings. The division is alleged to have been involved in the siege of Eastern Ghouta, where chemical weapons were reportedly used against civilians. Human rights groups also report instances of looting, with division members looting and dismantling abandoned homes in ghost towns within areas like Idlib.
International sanctions have targeted the division and its leaders for these alleged crimes. In 2017, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Suhail al-Hassan and other Syrian officials for their roles in chemical attacks, freezing assets and restricting business interactions with them. The European Union has similarly imposed sanctions on key division figures.
A Wounded Tiger
Revolutionary forces have exposed vulnerabilities in the 25th Division, including capturing their headquarters at the armored vehicles school in Hama. This facility, which housed Colonel Suhail al-Hassan’s office and operational hub, was captured during the campaign. The loss has dealt a symbolic and operational blow to the division’s ability to regroup and counterattack effectively.
CMO commander Lt. Col. Hassan Abdulghani addressed the situation directly, saying, “To the officers and members of the 25th Division: Learn from those before you, as time is running out and this is your final opportunity. Defect now and save yourselves, or face the same inevitable fate. The choice is clear, and the consequences are certain.” The CMO continues to make gains, with Lt. Col. Abdulghani confirming the capture of three soldiers from the 25th Division, in the town of Maarashahour, east of Hama.
The 25th Division’s reputation as a highly mobile and well-trained force is now being tested against the revolution’s modern tactics. Revolutionary forces are utilizing night raids, armed drones, and coordinated advances across multiple axes, placing the division in unfamiliar territory. Despite its strengths, including advanced weaponry and Russian support, the unit has yet to mount a decisive counterattack.
A Turning Point in the Conflict
The 25th Division’s recent setbacks highlight a broader shift in Syria’s conflict. Revolutionary forces have demonstrated a high level of organization and tactical acumen, proving capable of challenging one of Assad’s most feared military units. However, the 25th Division remains a formidable force, and its ability to recover and adapt could determine the outcome of future battles.
As the division faces mounting pressure on multiple fronts, the revolutionary forces remain vigilant. “We affirm that all positions we captured remain under our control, and progress continues within the Repelling the Aggression operation,” Abdulghani stated, countering regime rumors of territorial recovery. The coming days will reveal whether the 25th Division can regain its footing or whether it will remain a crouching tiger, unable to realize its potential and strike back against the revolutionary momentum.
