FX.co ★ Syrian female fighters: progress or PR campaign?

Created about two years ago, this elite brigade includes 800 female soldiers who fight along the eastern and southeastern borders of Damascus. This elite commando unit was created to “promote the role of Syrian women”, according to Damascus authorities. The new paramilitary force known as the 'Lionesses for National Defence' is guarding cities and controlling safety of checkout points. Female cadets of the military academy in Damascus are taught combat activities on equal terms with guys. Girls can use weapons, they are focused and committed.

On the photo, the girls are practicing combat skills.

The military academy puts high priority on physical strength and stamina. Besides, female cadets are taught to use advanced electroncs.

On the photo, the daily routine starts with mandatory jogging around the academy campus.

Drop down and give me some push ups. Girls are trained hard.

Female cadets have to learn how to throw grenades. A combat instructor is explaining how to launch a grenade correctly.

Weapon skills are an integral part of military exercises for girls in the academy.

After exhausting exercises, female fighters can take a short rest in barracks on their tidy beds with soft teddy bears awaiting them on pillows.