Alpha Group
Spetsgruppa "A", also known as Alpha Group, or Alfa, whose official name is Directorate "A" of the FSB Special Purpose Center, is a stand-alone sub-unit of Russia's special forces within the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). It was created by the Soviet KGB in 1974. Although little is known about the exact nature of its primary directives, it is speculated that the unit is authorised to act under the direct control and sanction of Russia's top political leadership, similar to its sister unit, the Directorate "V" (Vympel), which is officially tasked with protecting Russia's strategic installations, as well as conducting black operations inside and outside Russia. It is also available for extended police duties, for paramilitary operations, and for covert operations, both domestically and internationally.
Some of the key events about Alpha Group
- 1974Established as an elite counter-terrorism unit within the KGB
- 1979Successfully stormed the Soviet Embassy in Kabul during a hostage crisis
- 1979Controversial storming of the Tajbeg Palace in Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties
- 1985Conducted a covert operation to free Soviet diplomats held hostage in Beirut
- 1985Botched hostage rescue attempt in Beirut, Lebanon, leading to the death of one hostage
- 1988Participated in the liberation of hostages from a hijacked bus in Ordzhonikidze
- 1990Played a crucial role in maintaining order during civil unrest in Baku
- 1991Defended the White House in Moscow during the attempted coup
- 1991Involvement in the violent suppression of pro-independence protesters in Vilnius, Lithuania
- 1993Participation in the assault on the Russian White House during the constitutional crisis, causing civilian deaths
- 1995Successfully resolved a hostage situation in Budyonnovsk hospital
- 1995Criticized for heavy-handed tactics during the Budyonnovsk hospital hostage crisis, resulting in many civilian casualties
- 2002Participated in the Moscow theater hostage crisis resolution
- 2002Controversial use of an incapacitating gas during the Moscow theater hostage crisis, leading to the deaths of many hostages
- 2004Involved in the Beslan school siege operation to rescue hostages
- 2004Failure to prevent multiple terrorist attacks in Russia, including the Beslan school siege
- 2004Criticized for the handling of the Beslan school siege, which resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths
- 2011Accused of using excessive force during counter-terrorism operations in the North Caucasus
- 2014Alleged involvement in covert operations during the annexation of Crimea, violating international law
- 2015Conducted counter-terrorism operations during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.
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