Unité Spéciale – Garde Nationale

Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale
Active	1980–present
Country	Tunisia
Branch	National Guard
Type	Police tactical unit
Role	Counter-terrorism Law enforcement
Garrison/HQ	Bir Bouregba, Nabeul Governorate, Tunisia
Nickname(s)	USGN
Commanders
Current commander	Col. Gharbi Houssine

The National Guard Special Unit, commonly abbreviated USGN (French: Unité Spéciale de la Garde Nationale), is the police tactical unit of the Tunisian National Guard. USGN is trained to rescue citizens and allies who are held by a hostile force domestically or foreign, either criminal or terrorist.

USGN’s purpose is to serve as the Tunisian governments premier counter-terrorism unit, offering a tactical resolution option in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations. USGN functions as a national tactical team in highly sensitive or dangerous situations.

History

This 50 man force was established in the early 1980s and is broken down into two operational sections and a headquarters element. Based in Hammamet, they have responsibility for counter-terrorism operations at government and diplomatic buildings, aircraft hijackings and maritime situations. In the event of a major operation, the U.S.G.N. would be reinforced by the Commandos Unit of the Garde National (National Guard's Commando Unit- U.C.G.N.).