Special Rapid Response Unit

The Special Rapid Response Unit (Russian: СОБР — Специальный Отряд Быстрого Реагирования, Spetsialnyy Otryad Bystrogo Reagirovaniya, lit. "Special Unit of Quick Response"), formerly known from 2002 to 2011 as OMSN (''Otryad Militsii Spetsial'nogo Naznacheniya'', "Special Police Unit"), is a spetsnaz formation within the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya). SOBR units, along with OMON forces, function as elite paramilitary police organizations equipped with military-grade gear, specialized uniforms, and advanced tactical training. Designed for rapid deployment and high-risk operations, they serve a role analogous to police tactical units in other countries and are typically mobilized at the discretion of local police command structures. Similar SOBR-designated formations also operate in other Commonwealth of Independent States, including Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

==History== SOBR was formed on 10 February 1992, and was subordinated to the "Directorate for combating the Organized Crime" under the Russian Interior Ministry (MVD). SOBR units were composed of senior-ranking police officers, better trained than the members of OMON (which is a cross between riot police and gendarmerie (paramilitary police)), and tasked with PTU operations under the jurisdiction of the MVD. The primary function of SOBR is to combat organized crime, with additional roles including anti-irregular military operations, counterterrorism, executive protection, high-risk law enforcement, and tactical operations in hostage rescue. They also assist in providing security to important government buildings and infrastructure in times of crisis, special operations in dangerous areas, and supporting crowd control operations. They fought during the Chechen Wars and the War in Dagestan.