New Palestinian counter-terrorism unit deploys to Jenin

The Palestinian National Security Forces (NSF) has deployed a new, specialised counter-terrorism unit as part of its ongoing effort to improve its security capabilities.

Special Operations Unit 101 (SOU 101) deployed to Jenin - one of the most troubled towns in the West Bank - in October to support the NSF's 9th Battalion, the unit's commander, Major Sadam Amr, told IHS Jane's .

The unit numbers around 150 men and uses Zastava M70 assault rifles that have been fitted with picatinny rails so they can be used with the red dot, laser and night vision sites acquired by the unit. "Each rifle upgrade cost us USD1,000," Maj Sadam said.

He added that the unit is also equipped with a tactical communications system that is made by a US company called Tiger. The individual radios allow members of the unit to stay in contact with each other and their operations room. It uses Ford F-150 pick-up trucks, several of which have been fitted with protective armour in the West Bank as well as 7.62 mm machine guns to provide fire support.

The SOU 101 is equipped with Ford F-150 trucks that are armed with Type 67 machine guns. (Mohammed Najib)

SOU 101 is supported by a canine unit with five dogs that are trained to attack or detect explosives, as well as a team of negotiators for hostage and siege situations. "Any counter-terrorism unit that does not have a crisis negotiation team is a failure, because it will use force as the first option," a senior NSF commander told IHS Jane's .

"I aimed to provide the unit by high level of special training and equipment to reduce the casualties among my fighters during operations, as well as to enable the unit to conduct its mission with no losses among civilians," the commander added. "Before the new equipment, my forces was incapable of conducting its missions during night time, but now it can fight well."

NSF commander Major General Nidal Abu Dukhan told IHS Jane's that he sees special operations units as the best option for the Palestinian Authority (PA) as the West Bank does not require large conventional military forces.

The NSF currently numbers 8,500 personnel divided into nine battalions that were trained at the Jordan International Police Training Centre with US financial assistance.

Teams from the United States and Canada are also helping the NSF to establish a well-equipped operations room that enables commanders to watch SOU 101 operations in real time using helmet-mounted cameras.

The unit is expected to be provided with thermal imaging equipment and a small unmanned aerial vehicle for intelligence collection.

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