Syrian Female Soldiers (Tentara Wanita Suriah)

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.

Photo: Cadets of the military academy for women in #Damascus take part in a physical #fitness lesson. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

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 The women from "Lionesses for National Defense" are trained to handle Kalashnikov rifles, heavy machine guns and grenades.

Photo: Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

Check out full photo gallery here: http://sptnkne.ws/atc9

 Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during physical training. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

Check out full photo gallery here: http://sptnkne.ws/atc9

 Cadets of a military academy for women in Damascus take part in a physical fitness lesson. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

Check out full photo gallery here: http://sptnkne.ws/atc9

 Cadets of the military academy for women in Damascus during combat training. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

Check out full photo gallery here: http://sptnkne.ws/atc9

 Cadets of the #military academy for women in Damascus during combat training. © Sputnik/ Valery Melnikov

Check out full photo gallery here: http://sptnkne.ws/atc9