| Country: | Syria |
| Details of Formation: | The Desert Falcons were founded by General Mohammad Jaber, a retired Syrian Army officer, in early 2013. Due to the absence of defense contracting companies he contracted mercenaries himself into the newly founded group. The date coded in June 2013 is the date when the Desert Falcons are mentioned for the first time as fighting alongside the Syrian government for the capture of the town of al-Qaryatayan in Homs province. |
| Details of Termination: | -- |
| Purpose: | Originally, the purpose of the Desert Falcons was to protect the oil assets of General Jaber. Their purpose gradually evolved into fighting rebels and to secure border areas. Assad used the Desert Falcons alongside the regular army to mitigate the risk of defections and counter potential disloyalty of army members. The PGM is considered one of the most effective fighting forces in Syria. |
| Organisation: | The group is the private militia of General Jaber. It regularly cooperates with the Syrian government and the military. The military provides the PGM with artillery. |
| Weapons and Training: | The Desert Falcons are armed with light and medium weapons. They have machine-guns and the army supports them with artillery when necessary. General Jaber purchased most of the equipment from western arms dealers. The group’s soldiers are well-equipped. |
| Size: | -- |
| Reason for Membership: | General Jaber paid the members generous wages in return for their allegiance and protection. |
| Treatment of Civilians: | -- |
| Other Information: | The Suqur al-Sahra, or Desert Falcons (sometimes called Desert Hawks) are considered an elite force expert in desert fighting. Its members have a high degree of military expertise, being retired officers and members of the army, as well as volunteers from different age groups. After 2015, the General Jaber reached out to Russians and offered his force in exchange for weapons and armor, as well as in order to reclaim his wealth. |
| References: | Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD |