ALEPPO, Syria — The Russian forces operating in Syria honored Feb. 9 two commanders of the National Defense Forces, affiliated with the Syrian regime forces, in the cities of Mahrada and Suqaylabiyah in Hama countryside, and awarded them the Medal of Fidelity to Russia.

The honoring statement, which was published on Facebook by the National Defense Forces in Suqaylabiyah, stated  that due to the successful implementation of special missions and a personal contribution to strengthening combat cooperation, the commander of the Russian ground forces, Gen. Dimitri Glushenkov, awarded the Second Class Loyalty Medal to Russia to the commander of the National Defense Forces in Suqaylabiyah, Nabel al-Abdulla.

Also, the Russian general paid tribute to the commander of the National Defense Forces in Mahrada, Simon al-Wakil, the Syrian army's Brig. Gen. Saleh al-Abdallah and the member of parliament of the Syrian regime leading the National Defense Forces in the city of Salamiyah in Hama countryside, Fadel Warda.

The ceremony came after the priest of the Russian Khmeimim military base in Latakia visited Suqaylabiyah Feb. 5 and inspected the construction works at the Hagia Sophia Church, whose foundation stone was laid on Sept. 5, 2020. The priest was received by Abdulla.