The Alpha Special Operations Unit (official name — Directorate "A" of the Federal Security Service of Russia's Special Operations Center) is one of the most famous and effective anti-terrorism units in the world. Over decades of its operation, Alpha 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 of 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 Order No. 0089/OV ("Special Importance") by the Chairman of the KGB of the USSR, Yuri Andropov. Initially, the unit consisted of 30 people and was part of the 7th Department of the KGB. It was staffed exclusively with employees of state security agencies who possessed special moral and willpower 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 operations units, people were never recruited to "Alpha" by order — 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" staff was on March 28, 1979 — the armed terrorist who had infiltrated the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was neutralized. The unit received a serious baptism of fire on December 27, 1979, when its staff, together with the "Zenit" group and with the support of the Ministry of Defense's special forces, took over the presidential palace in Kabul (Amin's palace). From 1983 to 1987, the personnel of the unit participated in combat operations on the territory of Afghanistan.

Key Operations

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

The unit was involved in military operations to release hostages in Budennovsk (Stavropol Krai, 1995) and the settlement of First May (Dagestan, 1996). Directorate "A" together with other structural units of the Federal Security Service's Special Operations Center participated in the conduct of unprecedented in world practice special operations to release hostages seized on 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 to prevent mass disorders in Baku, Vilnius, Dushanbe. In addition to combating terrorism, staff of "Alpha" 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 Federal Security Service of Russia's Special Operations Center was created. It included Directorate "A", Directorate "B", and since 1999, the Special Operations Service. The unification into a single, powerful structure was due to the growing threat of terrorism and extremism and allowed for a significant increase in the effectiveness of the application of units. Group "A" became known as "Alpha" in August 1991 — this name first officially appeared in the decree of President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev on the subordination of the unit to the security service of the president's apparatus.

Preparation and Staffing

Today, candidates who already know what terrorism is and have combat experience, understanding the risks associated with this service, come to the unit. Candidates undergo strict selection, after which they still undergo one year of training before being allowed to perform combat tasks. The initial composition was filled with 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, as well as absolute loyalty and reliability were valued.

Arming and Equipment

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

However, the main secret weapon of "Alpha," according to the veterans and current staff, is people who are able to effectively counter terrorism, ready 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, Genнадий Зайцев, turned 90. The veterans of "Alpha" actively participate in public life, engaging in patriotic education of youth, helping in the area of the special military operation, families of fallen comrades, residents of territories reunified with Russia. Over 500 staff members have been decorated with state awards, and two of them have been awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union (posthumously). Today, Directorate "A" of the CSN FSB of Russia remains a professional, highly trained, and well-equipped mobile unit in 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.

Permanent link to this publication: