Apty Alaudinov, the commander of Russia’s Akhmat special forces, announced on June 3 that the unit has been deployed to the Kharkov region, a crucial front in Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Fierce fighting has erupted in Kharkov, eastern Ukraine, in recent weeks.
Alaudinov praised the Akhmat unit for “always being at the forefront since the very first days (of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine).”
“We have never been in the second line. We have never been behind anyone. We are very proud to be deployed to this (Kharkov) area,” the Akhmat commander stated.
When was Akhmat formed?
The history of the Akhmat force dates back to 2009 when the first leader of the Chechen Republic within Russia, Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov, the father of the current leader Ramzan Kadyrov, endorsed the formation of the Akhmat Rapid Reaction Special Unit.
This unit was established on the basis of a special motorized regiment of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, comprising former members of Akhmat Kadyrov’s security services.
The Chechen Republic is a predominantly Muslim region. Although still part of the Russian Federation, it has been granted considerable autonomy by Moscow.
How many troops does Akhmat have?
The Akhmat force is believed to have up to 4,000 members.
Some sources suggest that more than 13,000 volunteers from various parts of Russia have joined this unit. Prior to this, they underwent tactical and firearms training at the Russian Special Forces University in the city of Gudermes, Chechen Republic.
Akhmat’s achievements
In the 2010s, the Akhmat force helped local authorities eliminate the remaining illegal armed groups in the Chechen Republic.
In late February 2022, Chechen Republic leader Ramzan Kadyrov announced the deployment of a 2,000-strong Akhmat unit to the area of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
By the end of 2022, Akhmat fighters had taken control of the city of Rubezhnoye in the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR).
Shortly after, the Akhmat unit was deployed to Severodonetsk in the LPR to regain control of the city.
In September 2022, Akhmat special forces successfully repelled a Ukrainian army attack near the village of Berestovoye in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).
In 2023, the Akhmat unit carried out missions in the Donetsk and Artemovsk areas, under the control of Russia’s Southern (Yug) Battle Group.
Akhmat’s current mission
The Chechen special forces, comprising thousands of well-trained and equipped soldiers, have been deployed to the Ukrainian battlefield to support the Russian army. Chechen leader Kadyrov himself has visited the frontlines in Ukraine several times.
Commander Alaudinov stated that Akhmat “has adapted” to its deployment in the Kharkov area.
“The main task is to leave the previously stationed area and move into positions where we must perform duties, as well as expand the communication network. All of this has been accomplished. Our units have engaged in offensive operations in the region,” the Akhmat commander added.
According to him, the Akhmat special forces have also taken control of areas they need to secure so that the enemy cannot carry out sabotage and terrorist activities there.
