By Lauren Comele Morris
November 27, 2024
DEFINITIVE ANSWERS TOO EASILY REACHED DISMISS THE REAL STORY
The Kadyrovites' involvement in the Ukraine war has taken a tone of much hilarity from media reports over their self-released propaganda training videos. Chechnya's President, Ramzan Kadyrov is quite the card engaging in braggadocious propaganda videos showing woolly men trotting around with fully-auto firearms. The TikTok videos show the Akhmat Special Forces dressed to the hilt, sporting massive all-terrain vehicles, and tables of healthy food stocks inside of well-built bunkers . . . all set to over-the-top music that never quite fits the scene. They always appear to be having serious conversations and award ceremonies, or, the time of their lives.
Kadyrov dances and sings, and he surely eats. His wives pose in matching high-fashion Shariah-compliant garb. Yes, Kadyrov loves the finer things in life. They are a fascinating bunch. But make no mistake, he is a slick politician and a warlord. Think what you want from the TikTok video jokes. Not regarded by military professionals as serious or honorable fighters, the real story is that the Chechen Kadyrovites play a significant and ugly role in Putin's war against the Ukrainian people.
I've been following Kadyrov's Telegram channel daily for almost three years and within all his bloviating stories of glory and disinformation, there are nuggets of truth. There is also this: These Chechens are a large Islamic and Sharia-compliant army and that is no joke. See my other articles on this blog. Maybe the following will fill in some gaps of who are the Akhmat Special Forces:
NO. 1
Are the Kadyrovites Fighting on the Battlefield in Ukraine?
Kadyrovites, or fighters loyal to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, are actively involved in the conflict in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian forces. Their participation has been significant since the onset of the war, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 Kadyrovites have been deployed to Ukraine, although figures can vary widely.
Current Engagements: Recent reports indicate that Kadyrov’s troops have faced challenges on the battlefield. In August 2024, Ukrainian forces captured a group of Kadyrovites in Russia’s Kursk region after they reportedly attempted to flee rather than engage in combat. This incident highlights the precarious situation of these troops, who are often used as blocking units to prevent Russian soldiers from retreating. Apti Alaudinov, a commander of the Chechen Akhmat unit, confirmed losses among his men during recent Ukrainian offensives, acknowledging that they have suffered casualties and territory loss.
Historical Context: Kadyrov’s forces have a history of brutal tactics and have been deployed in various operations since the beginning of the conflict. They were initially seen near Kyiv and involved in key battles early in the war. Reports suggest they have been used not only for frontline combat but also for enforcing discipline among Russian troops and intimidating civilians. The Kadyrovites are often described as a personal army for Kadyrov, acting under his direct command and reflecting his loyalty to President Vladimir Putin.
Conclusion: The involvement of Kadyrovites in Ukraine underscores their role as a critical component of Russia’s military strategy, particularly in enforcing control and executing punitive measures against dissent within their ranks. However, their effectiveness has come into question as Ukrainian forces continue to make gains and capture Kadyrovite troops. Sources: https://www.euronews.com/2023/01/20/mad-dogs-what-are-chechen-fighters-doing-in-ukraine
NO. 2
What is the Significance of the Akhmat Unit in the Russian Military?
Established in 2009, the Kadyrovites have evolved into a key paramilitary force under Ramzan Kadyrov and operate primarily as part of the Russian National Guard. They have participated in frontline battles and deployed to strategic locations such as Kharkiv and Luhansk where they have claimed to secure key territories from the Ukrainian forces.
Composition: While branded as Chechen forces, 90% of the Akhmat members are reportedly volunteers from across Russia, not just Chechnya. The diversity allows for a broader recruitment base and enhances operational capabilities.
Political Influence: The unit serves as a tool for Kadyrov to exert influence both within Chechnya and on the broader Russian military apparatus. By showcasing Chechen fighters on the battlefield, Kadyrov reinforces his loyalty to President Vladimir Putin while simultaneously solidifying his power within Chechnya.
Training and Readiness: Members of the Akhmat unit receive specialized training at facilities like the Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya. This training aims to enhance their effectiveness in combat situations, making them one of the more capable units within the Russian military structure.
Public Relations and Propaganda: The Akhmat unit has gained notoriety for its social media presence, often sharing videos that highlight its military activities. This “TikTok troop” phenomenon serves not only as a recruitment tool but also as a means to bolster public perception of their effectiveness and valor.
Recent Developments: The Akhmat unit has faced challenges on the battlefield, including reports of significant losses and instances where they have been captured by Ukrainian forces. These events raise questions about their operational effectiveness and morale amid ongoing conflicts. Despite these setbacks, Kadyrov continues to publicly support and promote the unit as essential to Russia’s military efforts. In summary, the Akhmat unit’s significance lies not only in its military engagements but also in its role as a political instrument for Kadyrov and a symbol of Chechen loyalty to the Russian state amidst ongoing conflicts.
NO. 3
What Role Did the Kadyrovites Play in the Battle of Bakhmut?
The Battle of Bakhmut was one of the most intense and prolonged confrontations in the conflict. Deployed in 2023, Ramzan Kadyrov announced that their deployment under Apty Alaudinov was seen as a sign of the Russian General Staff's trust in the unit's combat effectiveness. The frontline operations reinforced the Russian positions and took over roles previously held by The Wagner Group once that relationship crashed and burned, literally with the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin.
The stakes were high and the challenges were significant with heavy casualties and operational setbacks. Following Prigozhin's death, efforts to integrate former Wagner fighters into the Akhmat units were meant to enhance their effectiveness.
Akhmat Special Forces were involved in the control of Rubezhnoye and Severdonetsk. They are credited with repelling attacks and securing positions in defensive operations against Ukrainian offensive actions. Akhmat fighters are involved in counterinsurgency tactics aimed at preventing Ukrainian forces from conducting sabotage operations in the occupied areas. Units are rotated in and out of combat zones for replenishment and to maintain an illusion of sustained troop strength. Securing and expanding control over communication networks is critical for maintaining Russian military operations. Kadyrov often shows off their modern weaponry and technology, again, with drones and fleets of specialized vehicles displayed in these Tik Tok videos.
They maintain close coordination with other units as is backed by Kadyrov's Telegram posts about what units they are backing. The units are sought for war crimes by Kyiv for their intimidation tactics and engagement in urban warfare, and in particular, the collection and deportation of children to the Russian Federation, and the brutality evidenced in Bucha.
MMA Fighters & Snipers: Akhmat Special Forces undergo extensive training at the Special Forces University in Gudermes, Chechnya in tactical shooting, field medicine, and specialized courses for snipers and machine gunners. The Chechen snipers competed in a cup with over 60 countries represented. In 2023 the Chechen SWAT team claimed first place at the UAE SWAT Hostage Rescue Challenge. Finally, all of you Mixed Martial Art fans, know about the famous Fight Club and Ramzan's Akhmat MMA fighters. The Akhmat Special Forces are trained and fit and some come from this very fight club.
IN SUMMARY: The Akhmat Special Forces leverage a combination of rigorous training, strategic deployment practices, psychological tactics, and social media engagement to enhance their effectiveness in combat operations. Their unique approach reflects both Kadyrov’s leadership style and the broader objectives of Russian military strategy in Ukraine. However, despite these tactics, their actual combat effectiveness remains a topic of debate among analysts and observers. Joke or no Joke? You decide.
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