Unité Spéciale – Garde Nationale
The National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN (French: Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale), is the police tactical unit of the Tunisian National Guard. USGN is trained to rescue citizens and allies who are held by a hostile force domestically or foreign, either criminal or terrorist.
Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale | |
---|---|
Active | 1980–present[1] |
Country | Tunisia |
Branch | National Guard |
Type | Police tactical unit |
Role | |
Garrison/HQ | Bir Bouregba, Nabeul Governorate, Tunisia |
Nickname(s) | USGN |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Col. Gharbi Houssine |
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 tactical 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.).
References
- Latif, Ikhlas (9 August 2017). "Qui sont les USGN, tueurs de terroristes?" [Who are the USGNs, killers of terrorists?]. Business News (in French). Retrieved 24 March 2023.