[8] Haydar's Special Forces expanded in size to 25,000 men, and formed a key part of the Syrian government's security apparatus.

The Special Forces were trained in airborne operations, and were rivaled on power only by the Defense Companies controlled by Hafez's brother, Rifaat.

Intelligence sources state it is likely that such units were involved in crushing popular dissent and neutralizing ringleaders.

[9] Under the command of Ali Haidar, the Special Forces units were deployed to Lebanon as part of the Syrian intervention in the Lebanese Civil War.

Activity was reported in different parts of the city during similar time-frames, suggesting that at least one additional regiment from the 14th Special Forces was involved in the operation of recapturing Homs.