Syrian Mercenaries Reveal What Was Offered to Fight for Azerbaijan

One month before the attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, Turkey began recruiting Syrian militants to assist Azerbaijan. This was reported by Asia Times. Information about the recruitment of mercenaries started spreading in Syria from September 1. By September 6, commanders of pro-Turkish groups had already begun registering fighters for transfer to Azerbaijan.

A Syrian named Khaled left for Azerbaijan two weeks prior to the commencement of military operations. “On September 14, we traveled by bus from Syria to southern Turkey. There were 25 of us young men,” said the Syrian. According to him, upon arrival in Turkey, they underwent medical examinations to ensure they had no diseases or injuries. Individuals arriving in Turkey who were aged between 18 and 40 were sent back. The rest were transferred to participate in military operations.

“I had no future. I am responsible for my family’s expenses,” said 20-year-old Khaled, who was promised a salary of $1,500. He was also told that in case of his death, the family would receive $100,000, and if he were wounded, he would receive $7,000.

Another fighter, Ahmad, a 42-year-old father of five, stated that he wished to go to Azerbaijan for the salary. “What drove me was the $1,500 salary. I earn $1,500 in a year in Syria. I am looking for a decent life for my children and myself,” he noted. However, Ahmad did not go to Azerbaijan because he did not meet the “requirements” regarding age.

The relatives of the first Syrian, Mohammad Shaalani, who was killed during the first week of fighting for Azerbaijan, refused to confirm his death, explaining that they would lose the financial compensation promised by Turkey if they talked to the media. The Turkish-backed army has declined to respond so far to questions about the total number of Syrian fighters killed in Azerbaijan. But according to one Syrian militant on the front lines, more than 50 of his friends were killed during the first week of military operations.