Somalia Battalion

Somalia Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Сомали») is one of the military units of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in Ukraine which participates in the ongoing War in Donbass against Ukrainian army. The battalion's full name is 1st Separate Tank Battalion Somalia (previously 1st Separate Tactical Battalion Group Somalia).[1] The battalion took the name "Somalia" because, according to its former commander Mikhail Tolstykh alias Givi, its members are as fearless as Somalis.[2] According to Givi, 70% of the battalions personnel previously fought in the 1st Slavyansk Brigade.[3]

Somalia Battalion
Батальон «Сомали»

Sleeve insignia

Flag
Allegiance Donetsk People's Republic
TypeSeparatist group
ColorsBlack, blue, red, and white
EngagementsWar in Donbass
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Mikhail 'Givi' Tolstykh †

The unit is permanently stationed in Donetsk and Makiivka.[1]

Equipment

The battalion has T-64 and T-72 tanks, BMP-1, BTR-70, MT-LB and BRDM-2 armoured fighting vehicles as well as supporting artillery, mortars and transport vehicles.[1]

See also

References
  1. "1-й Отдельный танковый батальон «Сомали», в/ч 08809" (in Russian). Stopterror.in.ua. Retrieved 8 Feb 2017.
  2. "The Battle of Ilovaisk: Details of a Massacre Inside Rebel-Held Eastern Ukraine". Newsweek. Retrieved 8 Feb 2017.
  3. "Another day with Givi 14/10/14". YouTube. Retrieved 16 Oct 2014.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.