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. The NOPO is also often confused with the "Special Unit", which is actually its parent organization, and there are many rumors surrounding the unit itself.
The NOPO acronym had been claimed to be an acronym for "Wilayat Guardian Special Force" (Persian: نیروی ویژه پاسدار ولایت) by reformist media in late 1990s; the association was denied.[1] Members of the unit are known to be wearing balaclava and black suits, though they may use another uniform.
History
The operational history of the Anti-Terror Special Forces includes deployments against internal security threats.[3]
Weapons
Members of the unit are known to use the Tondar SMG 9mm which is the Iranian made Heckler & Koch MP5. Members have also been seen with the Dragunov SVD7.62×54mmR which is the sniper utilized by the unit which has also been spotted in the hands of members when marching in parade. The locally made copy of the Heckler & Koch G37.62×51mm is also used, sometimes in the case of a marksman rifle. The sidearm utilized is the Zoaf PC-9 which is the Iranian copy of the SIG Sauer P226.[4] Other weapons used include the AKM7.62×39mm assault rifle and the Remington 870 shotgun which was acquired before the Iranian Revolution and is believed to be produced locally under another name.
Iranian-made Masaf rifle is also used since 2022.
^Hunter, Shireen T. (2010). Iran's foreign policy in the post-Soviet era : resisting the new international order. Santa Barbara, California: Praeger. p. 55. ISBN9780313381942.
