Special Operations Center "Omega"(Ukrainian: Центр Спеціального Призначення «Омега»), also known as Omega group, 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.
| Special Operations Center "Omega" | |
|---|---|
| Центр Спеціального Призначення «Омега» Tsentr Spetsial'noho Pryznachennya «Omeha» | |
 | |
| Founded | 4 April 2003 |
| Country |  Ukraine |
| Branch | Internal Troops of Ukraine (2003 – 2014) National Guard of Ukraine (2014 – present) |
| Type | Special forces |
| Garrison/HQ | Novi Petrivtsi |
| Engagements | |
History
edit.jpg)
Omega was originally founded as a counterterrorist unit within the Internal Troops of Ukraine in 2003.[6] When the Internal Troops were dissolved in 2014, the unit was transferred to the newly-formed National Guard as five separate detachments, stationed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv and Oleksandriia. These detachments were combined into the current Special Operations Center in the fall of 2022.[3]
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Omega has been deployed all along the frontline. In the first days of the invasion, members of the unit participated in the battle of Hostomel airport. Omega troops subsequently defended several settlements around Kyiv, including Moschchun, Horenka and Irpin.[1] At the same time, other Omega guardsmen defended Karkiv.[2]
In the spring of 2022, Omega members evacuated a group of artillerymen from the 36th Marine Brigade from Russian-held territory. The marines had escaped from Mariupol, and had already moved 60 kilometers through enemy territory before the Omega unit was deployed. While a Leleka UAV was used to guide the marines around Russian positions, lightly-equipped Omega members moved into enemy territory to meet their countrymen and escort them back to safety.[4]
In April 2022, Omega members conducted reconnaissance and sabotage missions around Kreminna.[4] Later that year, the unit took part in the battle of Vuhledar, specifically in the village of Pavlivka, where they fought the Russian 155th Naval Infantry Brigade.[4]
In late 2023 and early 2024, Omega fighters were deployed in and around Avdiivka, where they inflicted heavy Russian losses using anti-tank guided missiles and FPV drones, as well as improvised multiple launch rocket systems.[7][8][9][5] During this period, videos posted on social media also showed Omega snipers move into Russian-held areas to engage Russian soldiers.
Members
edit.jpg)
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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "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.
- ^ a b c ""Ми бачимо їх тоді, коли вони не бачать нас": спецназівці розповіли про особливості та складнощі роботи "під блюром"". Українські Національні Новини (in Ukrainian). 29 May 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Документальний фільм "Працює ОМЕГА"!, retrieved 5 March 2024
- ^ a b c d "OMEGA" SPECIAL FORCE SAVES MARINES, DESTROYS "akhmat" AND BURNS ENEMY ARMOR NEAR VUHLEDAR, retrieved 6 March 2024
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ "Внутрішні війська МВС України". 8 December 2010. Archived from the original on 8 December 2010. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ Roblin, Sebastien. "Ukrainian Commandos Decimate Russian Mechanized Force Using Racing Hobby Drones". Forbes. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ "Omega group destroyed six enemy armored vehicles". Militarnyi. Retrieved 5 March 2024.
- ^ Avdiivka. Encirclement. Day with SOF near Avdiivka. Omega Shooting DIY Grad in Action, retrieved 5 March 2024
