Separate Special Purpose Battalion

anti-Russian Chechen volunteer unit

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
FoundedJuly 2022
Country Ukraine
Allegiance Ministry of Defence (Ukraine)
 Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
Branch International Legion of Territorial Defense of Ukraine
TypeCommando
RoleAnti-tank warfare
Artillery observer
Close-quarters combat
Cold-weather warfare
Counterinsurgency
Direct action
Irregular warfare
Mountain warfare
Patrolling
Raiding
Reconnaissance
Urban warfare
SizeBattalion
Nickname(s)OBON
Motto(s)Marşo ya joƶalla ("Freedom or Death")
Colors Ukraine
 Chechen Republic of Ichkeria
EngagementsBattle of Donbas (2022)[1]
2022 Ukrainian southern counteroffensive
Eastern Ukraine campaign
Commanders
Current
commander

History

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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

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  • Hadzji-Murad Zumso Group.
  • Abdul-Hakim Shishani Group.
  • Muslim Sadayev's Group.
  • Khavazhi Amaev's Group.

Commanders

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References

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  1. "Chechen Fighters in Ukraine Set Sights on Homeland". Jamestown. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  2. Mikhalchenko, Lidia (19 November 2022). "Chechen Separatist Fighters Defend Ukraine Against 'Common Enemy' Russia". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
  3. "Sheikh Mansur Battalion fighter tells story of traitor who switched to supporting Kadyrov".
  4. 4.0 4.1 "APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMANDER OF THE OBON ARMED FORCES OF THE CRI IN UKRAINE". The Chechen Press (in Russian). Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  5. 5.0 5.1 "PRESS CONFERENCE IN KYIV". The Chechen Press (in Russian). Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  6. "Revival of the Defense Forces of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria at the warehouse of the Armed Forces of Ukraine". YouTube (in Russian). Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  7. "Akhmed Zakaev in Kiev. Appointment of Hadji-Murat Zumso as commander of the OBON Armed Forces of the CRI in Ukraine". YouTube (in Russian). Archived from the original on 6 August 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  8. "Абдул Хаким Ажиев. Полковник ВС ЧРИ. Назначение зам И.О. Верховного Главнокомандующего ВС ЧРИ". thechechenpress.com. Retrieved 2023-01-10.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Orders numbered 22-32 of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the ChRI". The Chechen Press (in Russian). Archived from the original on 26 August 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.