Active 1980–present | Size Unknown | |
Type Paramilitary unit, Special Operations and Tactical Law Enforcement Role Counter-terrorism and Hostage Rescue | ||
The National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN (French: Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale), is the Tunisian National Guard's elite counter-terrorism paramilitary tactical unit. USGN is trained to rescue citizens and allies who are held by a hostile force foreign or domestically, either terrorist or criminal.
USGN’s purpose is to serve as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, offering a tactical resolution option in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. USGN functions as a national SWAT team in highly sensitive or dangerous situations.
History
This 50 man force was established in the early 1980s and is broken down into two operational sections and a headquarters element. Based in Hammamet, they have responsibility for CT operations at government and diplomatic buildings, aircraft hijackings and maritime situations. In the event of a major operation, the U.S.G.N. would be reinforced by the Commandos Unit of the Garde National (National Guard's Commando Unit- U.C.G.N.).