Nicknamed ‘Recces” due to being reconnaissance commandos and armed with the slogan of “We fear naught but God” are the South African Special Forces. Apart from tasked with tracking down criminals and terrorists both locally and across the globe, it is a little known fact that one of it’s snipers took out a target from over an incredible 2 kilometres away.
To even be considered for selection, a soldier must meet extremely high standards, after which candidates must go through what is known as ‘The Ultimate Challenge’, one of the world’s hardest Special Forces selection processes.
Mexico’s GAFE
A tiny unit which members no more than 100, Mexico’s GAFE work closely with their American peers and are widely regarded as experts at counter terrorism. Reporting directly to the Secretary of National Defense, they also boast an amphibious force that supports the army with protecting Mexico’s extensive coastline.
Operating since 1986, their motto is Todo por Mexico which translates as ‘Everything for Mexico’.
Norway’s Forsvarets Spesialkommando
Norway’s Forsvarets Spesialkommando managed to remain a tightly kept secret until November 1994 when they were revealed to be the force behind the thwarting of an attempted airplane hijacking by a local Norwegian. More recent activities include involvement in the war in Syria, where they were tasked with destroying the Syrian government’s chemical weapon arsenal.
The selection process for the unit lasts three weeks and includes intense physical and mental exercises with hardly any food or sleep. Only a select few of those who enter the course make it to the end.
France’s Groupe d’intervention de la Gendarmerie nationale (GIGN)
Known for the audacious prevention of the Air France hijacking in 1994, unsurprisingly the main brief for France’s GIGN is rescuing hostages in extremely tricky and dangerous situations. Thwarting a plan to fly into the Eiffel Tower by storming the plane and killing all four hijackers, France GIGN showed rare composure and skill to expertly carry out their plan.
Like several other special force units the GIGN formed after the Munich Olympics 1972 massacre, today the group numbers roughly 400 members.
Colombia’s AFEUR
Even if you don’t understand Spanish, Agrupon de Fuerzas Antiterroristas Urbanas has a pretty nice ring to it. Amongst other duties, the AFEUR also provides protection services for VIPS and American diplomats. Guerrilla activity has been rife in Colombia and although the AFEUR is a highly secretive unit, it is a well known fact they have been active in the war against the local militias.
Surprisingly despite the decades long problem with guerilla groups and the need for such a unit to deal with them, it was only after the Dominican embassy siege in 1980, and the Palace of Justice siege in 1985 that the unit came into being.