Hêzên Komandos
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Syria| Hêzên Komandos | |
|---|---|
 SDF Commandos receiving CQB (close quarters combat) training from U.S. Army personnel | |
| Active | 2020–present |
| Country | Syria |
| Allegiance |   Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria |
| Type | Counterinsurgency |
| Role | Counterterrorism High-Value Target Raids Clearance Operations Operations |
| Size | 1,120+ personnel |
| Part of |  Syrian Democratic Forces |
| Equipment | Small arms, military vehicles (assisted by U.S. training and equipment) |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Dilovan Kovli |
The Hêzên Komandos (lit. 'Commando Forces', Arabic: قوات الكوماندوس) are a counterinsurgency force within the Syrian Democratic Forces, trained and equipped by the U.S. Department of Defense. The force primarily targets the Islamic State in high-value target raids and clearance operations.[1]
Hêzên Komandos has been in existence since at least 2020,[2] while earlier Syrian Democratic Forces “commando” units have existed since at least 2018.[3] In 2020, the Commando Forces reportedly raided 56 sites in a single anti-ISIS operation in Deir Ezzor, with support from the International Coalition.[4]
On 25 February 2021, the Commandos raided illegal river crossings on the Euphrates used by smugglers.[5]
The Syrian Democratic Forces deployed the Commando Forces to suppress the al-Sina’a Prison break in 2022.[6][7]
On 5 February 2024, six members of the Hêzên Komandos were killed within a Syrian Democratic Forces training academy near the al-Omar Oil Fields, when an Iranian attack drone launched by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI) from Syrian Government territory struck the facility.[8][9]
In late 2024 and early 2025, the Komandos defended Kurdish-held territory during the Manbij offensive and East Aleppo offensive.[10]
Komando units took part in clashes with the newly formed Syrian transitional government throughout 2025.[11]
