As the military conflict in Syria progressed and the number of casualties rose women received more and more positions in the ranks of the Syrian Armed Forces. The first brigade of women, named "Lionesses for National Defense,” was formed in 2013.
Sputnik presents a photo gallery of the life and service of women in the military academy in Damascus.
The Female Commando Battalion, part of the Syrian Army, was established in the summer of 2014 and consists of around 800 female volunteer fighters.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
As part of the National Defense Forces (NDF), "Lionesses for National Defense" are tasked with operating and securing checkpoints.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus learn how to throw hand grenades.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus learn how to throw hand grenades.
In October 2014, Syrian authorities banned men born between 1985 and 1991 from leaving the country, in a bid to prevent draft dodging.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during physical training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during physical training.
The women from "Lionesses for National Defense" are trained to handle Kalashnikov rifles, heavy machine guns and grenades.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
Above: A cadet of the Damascus military academy for women learns how to throw hand grenades.
Above: A cadet of the Damascus military academy for women in the weapon storage room.
Above: Cadets of a military academy for women in Damascus take part in a physical fitness lesson.
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© Sputnik / Valery Melnikov
Above: The military academy for women in Damascus.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during physical training.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during classes.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus take part in a physical fitness lesson.
Above: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training.
