Anti-Terror Special Force

Not to be confused with Iranian Police Special Unit.

NOPO (Persian: نوپو‎‎; officially standing for Counter-terrorism Special Force (Persian: نیروی ویژه پاد وحشت‎‎),[1] claimed to be an acronym for "Wilayat Guardian Special Force" (Persian: نیروی ویژه پاسدار ولایت‎‎) by reformist media in late 1990s, which was denied[1]) is an Iranian special force acting under Amīr al-Mu'minīn Unit of Special Units Command of Law Enforcement Force of Islamic Republic of Iran.[1]

The unit has been compared to the Army's NOHED and IRGC's Saberin Unit by its commanders, however there is little known about the unit. It is often confused with the "Special Unit" —which is actually its superior— and there are many rumors surrounding the unit. Members of the unit are known to be wearing balaclava and black suits, though they may use another uniform. The unit's duty is usually mentioned hostage rescue, but it is argued that the unit is a riot police, as it was involved in Iran student protests, July 1999 according to a report by Supreme National Security Council.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Hossein Bastani (24 June 2014), Myth and Reality About NOPO Operations in Iran (in Persian), BBC, retrieved 28 September 2015
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