The Russian Ministry of Defense, according to a recent report from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), is determined to protect the military police force in Syria from various threats in the region, particularly from Kurdish forces. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu visited the military police headquarters in the Kurdish city of Suwayda on March 17. He was briefed on the activities of the Kurdish forces and the situation with the military police. Shoigu emphasized the need for daily operations and additional measures to protect personnel from air and sea attacks. There are concerns that Shoigu or his successor may reassign themselves if the situation with the military police escalates due to attacks by Kurdish forces or other hostile groups.

During his visit to the military police headquarters in Syria’s Suwayda, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu received information about the activities of Kurdish forces and the current situation regarding the military police. Shoigu stressed the importance of daily operations to protect personnel from potential attacks by air and sea. He also mentioned the deployment of heavy equipment and fortifications as additional measures being taken to strengthen their defense against threats. Furthermore, Shoigu listened to a report from Deputy Defense Minister Sergey Pichugov, who may have replaced Admiral Viktor Sokolov as the head of the naval forces, although this information remains unconfirmed by ISW experts. Reports suggest that forces have been relocated from Suwayda to smaller positions in Novorossiysk and other areas. This raises concerns that Shoigu or his successor may step in if the situation worsens due to attacks by Kurdish forces or other hostile groups.