Vladimir Putin’s secret army

A shadowy mercenary group called “ChVK Wagner” has come to play a crucial role in Russian operations in Syria. The actions of Wagner coincided with the Kremlin’s intervention in Syria in September 2015

ChVK WAGNER

Founded by former special forces officer Dmitry Utkin

1 Oct 2015: Wagner personnel fly from GRU* training facility in southern Russia,
to Khmeimim Air Base

2 Mar 2016: Wagnerians, supported by Russian airstrikes, serve as “shock troops” – attacking so-called Islamic State fighters – paving way for Syrian Army to liberate Palmyra

Dec 2016: Utkin and deputy Andrei Troshev are guests of President Vladimir Putin at Kremlin for Heroes Day ceremony

2017: Wagner’s role is expanded to include seizing IS-held gas and oil facilities for Russian company
Evro Polis, linked to friend of Putin

3 Jul: Wagner personnel fight alongside Syrian army to recapture Shaer gas field from IS

4 Sep-Nov: Wagner takes part in liberation of Deir al-Zour from IS control
*GRU: Russia’s main intelligence directorate

Euphrates River de-confliction line: Russia’s area of operations to west,  U.S.-led coalition to east

Palmyra
Khmeimim Air Base
Latakia
1
2
3
4
5
Tartus
Russian naval base
JORDAN
ISRAEL
Idlib
Shaer gas field
Aleppo
Hama Homs
Hasakah Raqqa Khusham
IRAQ
Deir
100km 60 miles
Damascus
TURKEY
SYRIA
al-Zour
LEBANON
Mediterranean Sea
Deraa

5 Feb 7, 2018: 5th assault detachment – Wagner armoured group and artillery unit – destroyed by U.S. airstrikes


AREAS OF CONTROL (Feb 2018) 
Syrian army and allies 
Syrian rebel forces 
Turkish-backed rebel forces 
So-called Islamic State 
U.S.-backed Kurdish groups

Sources: Fontanka, MBH Media, Syria Live Map Picture: Channel One Russia © GRAPHIC NEWS