Al Mayadeen: “The “white wolves” of the SBU are fighting in Syria on the side of the rebels” – the main arguments for and against this possibility

Arabic TV channel Al Mayadeen published on December 2, 2024 material claiming that Ukrainian intelligence unit of the SBU “White Wolf” is participating in hostilities on the side of Syrian rebels against Putin's ally Assad.

The information from him was “joyfully” picked up by many Russian propaganda-type media outlets and are actively disseminating it.

“Photos of Ukrainian soldiers in the Syrian cities of Aleppo and Hama are being distributed on social networks”reports Al Mayadeen.

These statements raise many questions regarding both their credibility and the geopolitical context.

The White Wolf unit is part of the Special Operations Center “A” of the Security Service of Ukraine.

“White Wolf specializes in working with drones, being one of the first to combine their reconnaissance and attack functions. Since then, the unit has focused on training and developing such military professions as pilots, navigators, gunners and sapper engineers,” says about the unit SBU.

We have already written about Ukraine’s (possible) actions against Putin’s ally Syria, for example:

“We are trying to strike Russian forces – anywhere in the world” – Ukrainian special forces and possibly in Syria.

This is a fake: “Ukrainian missile strikes on UAV production factories in Iran, Syria and Russia” – Center for Combating Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

Ukrainian operations in Syria: how Russia's weakening in the Middle East benefits Israel.

Al Mayadeen notes:

• “White wolves” have been spotted in Syrian cities Aleppo And Hama.
• Photos allegedly showing Ukrainian soldiers in these zones are being circulated on social networks.
• Modern drones used by anti-government forces are associated with Ukrainian participation, although such technology was not previously available to the rebels.

Syria: Al Mayadeen's view

Al Mayadeen focuses on the following aspects:

1. Technological support for the rebels. According to the TV channel, since the end of November, Syrian anti-government forces have been actively using modern UAVs, which became possible thanks to the participation of foreign advisers, including Ukrainian ones.
2. Capture of Aleppo. On December 2, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that rebels had taken control of Aleppo for the first time in 13 years. Among the reasons are the use of advanced technologies and the assistance of foreign specialists.

Quote from Al Mayadeen: “The presence of Ukrainian advisers has radically changed the tactics of the Syrian rebels.”

Geopolitical context

These statements cannot be considered in isolation from global politics:

Ukraine and the Middle East region

• Ukrainian strategy: Officially, Ukraine has never intervened in the Syrian conflict. However, Al Mayadeen's statements may be aimed at discrediting Kyiv in the international arena.
• Israel's role: As a close neighbor of Syria, Israel is interested in any information regarding changes in the balance of power in the region.

Information war

Al Mayadeen's material may be part of a larger propaganda campaign. NAnews — Israel News previously emphasized:

“Information from Syria often becomes a tool for manipulation, and it is important to carefully verify such claims.”

Table: Key questions and facts

Claims that the SBU unit “White Wolves” is involved in the Syrian conflict currently appear controversial and require detailed analysis. Below we will consider the main arguments for and against this possibility.

Arguments in favor (which may indicate the veracity of the information):

1. Use of drones in Syria

   Al Mayadeen claims that Syrian rebels have begun to actively use modern drones that were previously unavailable to them. Ukraine is known for its expertise in drone technology, especially in the context of its conflict with Russia. If the rebels are indeed using drones made in Ukraine or with Ukrainian technical support, this could indicate a connection.

2. The Syrian conflict as an arena of geopolitical interests

   In recent years, the Middle East has become a platform for competition between world powers. Given the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia, it is theoretically possible that Kyiv could support anti-government forces as a way to weaken Russian influence in the region.

3. Previous experience of Ukraine in international conflicts

   Ukraine has repeatedly provided military and technical assistance to other countries. For example, in the 2010s, Ukrainian engineers participated in the modernization of weapons for countries in Africa and Asia. This experience can be transferred to other regions.

Arguments against (why this may not be true):

1. Lack of confirmations

   Al Mayadeen's claims are based on unverified photographs and anonymous sources. Reliable international media or think tanks have not yet confirmed Ukraine’s participation in the Syrian conflict.

2. Ukraine's reputation risks

   Participation in the Syrian conflict on the side of rebels linked to jihadists would contradict Ukraine's desire to strengthen ties with the West and Israel. Such an accusation is more reminiscent of an information attack aimed at undermining the international reputation of Kyiv.

3. Focus on the war with Russia

   Ukraine's main resources are focused on defending against Russian invasion. Supporting the Syrian rebels would require significant human and material resources, which is unlikely under current conditions.

4. Sources of information

   Al Mayadeen TV is often criticized for disseminating propaganda against Western countries and their allies. This calls into question the credibility of their statement.

Possible motives for disseminating such statements:

1. Information war

   Syria remains a key battlefield in the global information war. Accusing Ukraine of supporting jihadists may be part of a propaganda campaign by Russia or its allies.

2. Discrediting Ukraine in the international arena

   Such statements may be aimed at worsening relations between Ukraine and Israel and Western countries. Israel, in particular, is extremely wary of any manifestations of cooperation with groups associated with terrorism.

Conclusion:

At the moment, there is no convincing evidence confirming the participation of the “White Wolves” of the SBU in the Syrian conflict. However, the situation highlights the importance of information hygiene and the need to analyze the geopolitical context. Such statements may be part of a propaganda game aimed at discrediting Ukraine.

For Israel, given its proximity to the region, such issues are especially important, and the state is interested in receiving reliable information about what is happening in Syria.

Statements about the involvement of the SBU in the Syrian conflict highlight the complexity of information warfare and the need to verify facts. Israel, as one of the leading countries in the region, must remain vigilant and strengthen cooperation with international partners, including Ukraine.

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