Omega group
Emblem of the Omega group
CountryUkraine
BranchNational Guard of Ukraine
TypeSpecial forces

The Omega group (Ukrainian: Окремий загін спеціального призначення «Омега») is a special forces unit that is part of the National Guard of Ukraine. Originally intended for counterterrorism and bodyguard missions, the group has gained extensive combat experience conducting ambushes, raids and reconnaissance missions while behind enemy lines in Kharkiv and Donetsk during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

History

Members of the Omega group

In April 2014, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov mentioned deploying ″Omega special forces″ as reinforcements to Mariupol during a pro-Russian separatist attack.[1] The unit was originally intended to be used for counterterrorism and bodyguard missions.

Several videos have been released online of the unit in action during the Russian invasion of Ukraine starting in February 2022, including of it ambushing Russian infantry and destroying Russian vehicles using conventional weapons as well as drones.[2][3] Combat groups of the Omega group were present in Chernobyl and the Hostomel Airport when the invasion began, the groups in Chernobyl left on foot as they were forced to leave their equipment behind, including vehicles that were later used by Russian forces for infiltration purposes. The forces from Omega at the Hostomel Airport were among the initial units participating in the defence of the airport.[4]

Members

Reportedly, most of the members of the Omega group are former members of Ukrainian and in rare cases, Soviet commando units. The unit generally avoids publicity.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Deadly clashes at Ukraine port base as leaders meet". BBC News. 17 April 2014. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  2. ↑ Golder, Joseph (8 August 2022). "Ukrainian 'Omega' Special Forces Take On Russian Troops In Occupied Donetsk". Zenger News. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  3. ↑ "Ukrainian 'Omega' Special Forces Take On Russian Troops In Occupied Donetsk". The Florida Star. 8 August 2022. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  4. ↑ "Defending Kyiv Region: Interview with Omega Special Unit Operator". Militarnyi. 10 June 2023. Archived from the original on 11 June 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Korshak, Stefan (28 December 2022). "Shadowy Ukrainian Special Forces Unit Releases Rare Kamikaze Drone Video". Kyiv Post. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
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