(MENAFN) With the launch of the Department of Military Operations on November 27, 2024, which led to the fall of the Assad regime and the rebel control of all Syrian provinces, a new and highly effective weapon emerged in the battle: Shaheen drones. From the beginning of the battle, the Department of Military Operations released several videos showcasing the precision and effectiveness of Shaheen drones in targeting Syrian regime military vehicles and soldier gatherings. These drones were not only used for direct strikes but also for surveillance, reconnaissance, and the distribution of warning leaflets to regime forces.

The Shaheen Brigades, which specialize in drone operations, have become a focal point for the opposition, with supporters eagerly awaiting videos showcasing their use before hitting targets. These drones, which have proven to be highly effective, have dramatically influenced the battle's outcomes. The use of drones by the opposition is not new. In December 2017, the Russian Ministry of Defense revealed that its military bases in Hmeimim and Tartous had been attacked by drones, marking the first known drone attack on Russian bases. Despite efforts to shoot down the drones and use electronic warfare to control them, the drones posed a significant threat.

The Shaheen drones have evolved from early versions used to attack Russian bases. The drones used in the recent battle are a mix of manually launched aircraft and those fired from platforms. Some of these drones are capable of carrying small bombs or missiles, with certain models featuring up to 18 bombs or warheads weighing over 30 kilograms. The drones' flight range and capabilities have been enhanced with fuel tanks for long-range missions. The Department of Military Operations has published videos of two main types of drones: one that requires manual propulsion, similar to Ukrainian FBV drones, and another launched from platforms, which are equipped with RPGs for anti-armor purposes. These drones have been used to target military vehicles, regime operations rooms, and even individuals, as seen in the attacks on Colonel Uday Ghasa's car and regime military vehicles in Masyaf and Hama. These drones, which resemble commercially available models but are modified for the rebels' needs, have three main tasks: surveillance, dropping small bombs on targets, and distributing leaflets encouraging regime soldiers to defect. The use of drones for psychological warfare, such as dropping leaflets with messages to soldiers, has added a new dimension to the ongoing conflict.

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