Somalia Battalion

Somalia Battalion (Russian: Батальон «Сомали») is one of the military units of the Donetsk People's Republic in Ukraine which participates in the ongoing war in Donbas 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 Donbas
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Mikhail 'Givi' Tolstykh †

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

History

In 2015 so named LNR/DNR quasi-states and all their "military units" were designated as "terrorist organisations" by Supreme Court of Ukraine.[4][5] Security Service of Ukraine has been pursuing units members in order to bring them to justice since then.[6][7]

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. 30 October 2015. Retrieved 8 Feb 2017.
  2. "The Battle of Ilovaisk: Details of a Massacre Inside Rebel-Held Eastern Ukraine". Newsweek. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 8 Feb 2017.
  3. "Another day with Givi 14/10/14". YouTube. Retrieved 16 Oct 2014.
  4. "Про Заяву Верховної Ради України "Про визнання Україною юрисдикції Міжнародного кримінального суду щодо скоєння злочинів проти людяності та воєнних злочинів вищими посадовими особами Російської Федерації та керівниками терористичних організацій "ДНР" та "ЛНР", які призвели до особливо тяжких наслідків та масового вбивства українських громадян"]". Verkhovna Rada (in Ukrainian).
  5. "Постанова Верховного Суду щодо визнання діяльності терористичною". Supreme Court of Ukraine (in Ukrainian).
  6. "Leader of "Brianka USSR" terrorist group is convicted to 15-year imprisonment". Security Service of Ukraine. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  7. "Donetsk region: SBU uncovers militant who mined six bridges". Security Service of Ukraine. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
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