The Alpha Unit (official name — Department "A" of the Special Operations Center of the Federal Security Service of Russia) is one of the most famous and effective anti-terrorism units in the world. Over the decades of its operation, the Alpha Unit has conducted hundreds of successful operations for the release of hostages, neutralization of terrorists, and ensuring the safety of citizens. The unit was created in response to the growth of international terrorism, especially after the tragic events at the 1972 Munich Olympics, where eleven members of the Israeli team were killed.

History of Creation

The Alpha Group was formed on July 29, 1974, based on an order by KGB Chairman Yuri Andropov No. 0089/OV ("Special Importance"). Initially, the unit consisted of 30 people and was part of the 7th Department of the KGB. It was composed exclusively of employees of state security agencies with special moral and volitional qualities, high physical fitness, and the ability to make quick decisions in extreme situations. The first commander of the unit was Hero of the Soviet Union, participant in the battles for the Dachen Islands, Vladimir Bubennik.

Unlike many other special units, people were never recruited by order into the Alpha Unit — only volunteers. Today, the desire to serve in this elite unit remains great, despite the fact that candidates know about the risks associated with this work.

First Operations and Combat Baptism

The first special operation carried out by the Alpha Unit's employees was on March 28, 1979 — the disarmament of an armed terrorist who had infiltrated the US Embassy in Moscow. The unit received a serious combat baptism on December 27, 1979, when its employees, together with the Zenit Group and with the support of the Ministry of Defense's special forces, captured the presidential palace in Kabul (Amin's palace). From 1983 to 1987, the personnel of the unit participated in combat operations in Afghanistan.

Key Operations

Over the years, employees of the Alpha Unit have participated in operations to neutralize terrorists and release hostages in many cities and settlements, including: Sarapul (1981), Tbilisi (1983), Ufa (1986), Mineralnye Vody (1988, 1994, 2001), Sukhumi (1990), Moscow (Vasilevsky Spusk, 1995), Makhachkala (1995), Lazarevskoe settlement (2000).

The unit was involved in military operations to release hostages in Budennovsk (Stavropol Territory, 1995) and the settlement of Primorsko- Akhtarsk (Dagestan, 1996). Department "A" together with other structural units of the Special Operations Center of the FSB participated in the conduct of unprecedented in world practice special operations to release hostages taken October 23-26, 2002, in the Theater Center on Dubrovka in Moscow, and September 1-3, 2004, in School No. 1 in the city of Beslan in North Ossetia.

In the 1990s, the unit also worked on preventing mass disorders in Baku, Vilnius, and Dushanbe. In addition to combating terrorism, employees of the Alpha Unit participate in operational and combat activities related to the apprehension of particularly dangerous criminals, arms dealers, drug traffickers, corrupt officials, leaders of organized criminal groups, and also ensure the safety of high-ranking officials during their stay in areas with a complex operational situation.

Structure and Reorganization

In October 1998, the Special Operations Center of the Federal Security Service of Russia was created. It included the Department "A", Department "B", and from 1999 — the Special Operations Service. The unification into a single, powerful structure was due to the growing threat of terrorism and extremism and allowed to significantly increase the effectiveness of the use of units. Group "A" was renamed "Alpha" in August 1991 — this name first officially appeared in the decree of Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev on the subordination of the unit to the apparatus of the security service of the president.

Preparation and Composition

Today, candidates coming to the unit already know what terrorism is and have combat experience, understanding the risks associated with this service. Candidates undergo strict selection, after which they spend another year training before being allowed to perform combat tasks. The initial composition included strong athletes who were either masters of sports or at least candidates for masters of sports. However, in addition to outstanding physical data, qualities such as the ability to quickly think, clarity, the ability to drive various types of transport, and absolute loyalty and reliability were also valued.

Arming and Equipment

Today, the arsenal of the Alpha Unit includes silent rifles, special assault rifles "Veresk," special grenades. The department is equipped with the latest advanced models of small arms, ammunition, special means, communication equipment, individual armor protection, and equipment of both domestic and foreign production. The armory has samples specifically developed for anti-terrorism units — assault weapons, sniper complexes, non-lethal and simulated weapons. Also, there are the best optical and optoelectronic devices for shooting, terrain reconnaissance, orientation, observation, detection of explosive substances, and demining.

However, the main secret weapon of the Alpha Unit, according to its veterans and current employees, is people who are able to effectively counter terrorism, willing to risk their lives, protecting the interests of the country and the peace of its citizens.

Traditions and Modernity

In September 2024, one of the legendary commanders of the unit, Gennady Zaytsev, turned 90. The veterans of the Alpha Unit actively participate in public life, engaged in patriotic education of youth, helping in the area of the special military operation, families of fallen comrades, residents of reunified territories with Russia. More than 500 employees have been decorated with state awards, and two of them have been awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union (posthumously). Today, Department "A" of the CSN FSB of Russia remains a professional, highly trained, and well-equipped mobile unit in a state of constant combat readiness, with serious combat experience and capable of performing any tasks set before it to ensure the safety of individuals, society, and the state.

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