Syndikat flag
The Syndikat is a Tanoan-based criminal organisation that smuggles guns and drugs throughout the Horizon Islands. It was added to ArmA 3 with the release of the Apex DLC.
Overview
| « | Positioned as a independent guerrilla faction, Syndikat is a local crime organization wtih deep roots on Tanoa. Made up of armed thugs and ex-paramilitaries, this new faction is involved in many illicit operations throughout the region, carrying mostly outdated weaponry such as AK's, RPG-7s, and Makarov pistol's. Official ArmA 3 Apex site description
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Background
The Syndikat have expanded throughout Tanoa and other neighbouring regions around the Pacific. They attack NGO camps and kill off anyone that opposes them, particularly members of the Horizon Island's law enforcement agency.
The key person that holds Syndikat together is Solomon Maru, also known as "Warlock". Warlock is a former member of the failed "Red Tiger" coup which attempted to topple a North African government almost a decade prior to the events of Apex Protocol.
While the exact composition of Syndikat is not known, it is mentioned that while it's a sizeable guerrilla force it mostly consists of scattered groups that operate in small cells directly under Warlock's control.
History
Following a major earthquake that struck many of the South Pacific island chains, Tanoa's small government police force would find itself in a escalating series of conflicts with Syndikat.
It initially began as a sizeable insurgent force that would strike from the depths of Tanoa's jungles, making it difficult for the Gendarmerie to hunt down. The movement quickly grew in size over time however, and would eventually prove to be too much for the now-outgunned Gendarmerie to handle. Prior to the beginning of the campaign, the organisation has already gained control over much of the western parts of Tanoa.
Events of Apex Protocol (2035)
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This section contains spoilers from ArmA 3 Apex's 'Apex Protocol' campaign. |
The Syndikat are one of the main antagonist factions in the Apex Protocol campaign.
Video footage of the Syndikat-Viper meeting provided by one of CTRG's HUMINT resources
Under the guise of participating in counter insurgency operations for the joint NATO/Tanoan "Safe Horizon" exercise, CTRG move to retrieve a critical asset captured by Syndikat forces prior to the events of Apex Protocol.
After numerous run-ins and intelligence retrieved from raiding Syndikat hideouts, it is eventually discovered that the source behind their successes is none other than Viper Team, a highly elite CSAT special operations force that has been assisting Syndikat in their attempt to destabilise Tanoa.
| « | I don't know what you're trying to tell me. We did everything you asked. What did you expect? That we could manage them alone? One of Soloman Maru's sub-ordinates, moments before his death at the hands of Viper Team
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Relations begin to grow sour between the two sides however, after a high ranking member is executed by Viper Team following numerous disagreements and failures from Syndikat in light of the attacks by CTRG.
This eventually results in both factions going after each other, and after Solomon finally discovers the primary CSAT black site, his forces manage to seize the Eastwind device being assembled there, and vital documents regarding CSAT's so-called 'Apex Protocol' plans.
Maru executes a Viper Team officer after discovering Eastwind's location, vowing retribution for their betrayal
Intending to blackmail Viper Team with both, they demand a large monetary and hardware ransom in exchange for its return, arranging for a secret meeting to be held at the Blue Pearl Harbour on the main island.
Unfortunately for Syndikat, the meeting is interrupted by CTRG forces who manage to locate the site of the deal and assassinate Solomon Maru once and for all, dealing a heavy blow to the organisation.
Post-Apex Protocol
The exposure of the 'Apex Protocol' documents revealed how CSAT members covertly supplied and assisted the Syndikat in undermining the sovereignty of the Horizon Islands government.
Though its fate is not elaborated on in the epilogue, Solomon Maru's death at the hands of CTRG, the loss of much of its manpower and high ranking members, combined with the destruction of the majority of their supply caches, would have presumably meant that the remnants of the organisation either disbanded it, or were eventually wiped out through joint efforts by NATO forces and the Gendarmerie.
Equipment
Syndikat members ambush a NATO convoy with an RPG-7.
The Syndikat rely on a variety of sources for their hardware, from arms smuggler rings in the South Pacific region, to supplies covertly provided by CSAT members.
The group's equipment ranges from outdated Soviet-era weapons such as AKM assault rifles, AKS-74U carbines, Makarov PM handguns, and RPG-7 rocket launchers, to even the latest in Russian small arms like the AK-12. With their main weapons primarily chambered in 7.62×39mm, this gives them a considerable firepower advantage against the Gendarmerie, who mostly rely on weapons that are only chambered in handgun calibres.
Regular guerrillas wear an assortment of civilian clothing and military fatigues, but the more experienced paramilitary troops (composed of former coup members) can be distinguished by their distinctive Tigerstripe-patterned uniforms.
With their origins as a drug-running Cartel, Syndikat have extensive supply lines that require fast vehicles capable of transporting their illegal cargo. They mostly rely small aircraft such as the Caesar BTT fixed-wing plane and M900 light helicopters. Ground vehicles range from the MB 4WD jeep as fast transport or light strike vehicles to commercial Vans and Trucks for larger infantry transport or smuggling vehicles. For waterborne travel they utilise RHIB vessels, which are suitable for sailing through the narrow waterways of Tanoa.
They lack heavy weapons such as mortars and rely more on their ability to melt back into the thick jungle, in order to avoid large-scale engagements against the Gendarmerie and NATO peacekeepers.
Gallery
