Russian forces in Syria have ordered military officials in Deir Ezzour to recruit residents to fight alongside its forces in Libya.
The Deir Ezzour 24 network said Russia was seeking to send the recruits to fight alongside the forces of the Libyan National Army, commanded by Khalifa Haftar.
Sources told the network that Firas al-Jiham, also known as Firas al-Iraqiya, the leader of the pro-regime National Defense Forces in Deir Ezzour has been tasked with recruiting locals. A leader in the Albou Saraya clan, Mhanna al-Fayyad, has also been tasked with this mission.
These officials have met with several locals and attempted to persuade them that once in Libya, they will be charged with protecting oil installations, not fighting. They were promised a monthly salary of over 2,000 dollars.
Volunteers are transported from Deir Ezzour airport to Russia’s Hmeimim airbase in Latakia where they are registered. A Russian general oversees the process with the assistance of militia leaders and local officials, reported Deir Ezzour 24.
