Separate Special Purpose Battalion
The Separate Special Purpose Battalion of the Ministry of Defense of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria,[2] also called the OBON,[3] is a military commando of Chechen volunteers. They were part of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine. It is one of many Chechen volunteers that help Ukraine. It was created by Akhmed Zakayev on July 29, 2022. They wanted a Chechen formation that was fighting for Ukraine Forces since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started.
| Separate Special Purpose Battalion | |
|---|---|
 chevron of the Separate Special Purpose Battalion | |
| Founded | July 2022 |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Allegiance |  Ministry of Defence (Ukraine)  Chechen Republic of Ichkeria |
| Branch |  International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine |
| Type | Commando |
| Role | Anti-tank warfare Artillery observer Close-quarters combat Cold-weather warfare Counterinsurgency Direct action Irregular warfare Mountain warfare Patrolling Raiding Reconnaissance Urban warfare |
| Size | Battalion |
| Nickname(s) | OBON |
| Motto(s) | Marşo ya joƶalla ("Freedom or Death") |
| Ukraine Chechen Republic of Ichkeria | |
| Engagements | Battle of Donbas (2022)[1] 2022 Ukrainian southern counteroffensive Eastern Ukraine campaign |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
|
History
On July 29, 2022, Akhmed Zakayev said he would start a new group for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.The group would be a volunteer formation.[4][5]
This formation was called OBON. It was made apart of the International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine.[5] According to Zakayev, as the battalion becomes bigger, it will be made into a "Separate Special Purpose Brigade".[6][7]
Structure
- Hadzji-Murad Zumso Group.
- Abdul-Hakim Shishani Group.
- Muslim Sadayev's Group.
- Khavazhi Amaev's Group.
Commanders
- Rustam Azhiev – colonel of the CRI Armed Forces[8]
- Hadji-Murad Zumso – Battalion commander [4]
- Khavazhi Amaev – Deputy battalion commander[9]
- Muslim Sadaev – Captain of the CRI Armed Forces[9]
References
- ↑ Chechen Fighters in Ukraine Set Sights on Homeland. https://jamestown.org/program/chechen-fighters-in-ukraine-set-sights-on-homeland/. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ↑ Mikhalchenko, Lidia (19 November 2022). Chechen Separatist Fighters Defend Ukraine Against 'Common Enemy' Russia. https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-chechens-common-enemy-russia/32136592.html.
- ↑ Sheikh Mansur Battalion fighter tells story of traitor who switched to supporting Kadyrov.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMANDER OF THE OBON ARMED FORCES OF THE CRI IN UKRAINE (in Russian). The Chechen Press. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 PRESS CONFERENCE IN KYIV (in Russian). The Chechen Press. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ↑ Revival of the Defense Forces of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria at the warehouse of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (in Russian). YouTube. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ↑ Akhmed Zakaev in Kiev. Appointment of Hadji-Murat Zumso as commander of the OBON Armed Forces of the CRI in Ukraine (in Russian). YouTube. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
- ↑ Абдул Хаким Ажиев. Полковник ВС ЧРИ. Назначение зам И.О. Верховного Главнокомандующего ВС ЧРИ. thechechenpress.com. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Orders numbered 22-32 of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the ChRI (in Russian). The Chechen Press. Retrieved 25 September 2022.