Omega was originally founded as a counterterrorist unit within the Internal Troops of Ukraine in 2003.[6] When the Internal Troops were dissolved in 2014, the unit was transferred to the newly-formed National Guard as five separate detachments, stationed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv and Oleksandriia. These detachments were combined into the current Special Operations Center in the fall of 2022.[3]
In the spring of 2022, Omega members evacuated a group of artillerymen from the 36th Marine Brigade from Russian-held territory. The marines had escaped from Mariupol, and had already moved 60 kilometers through enemy territory before the Omega unit was deployed. While a LelekaUAV was used to guide the marines around Russian positions, lightly-equipped Omega members moved into enemy territory to meet their countrymen and escort them back to safety.[4]
In late 2023 and early 2024, Omega fighters were deployed in and around Avdiivka, where they inflicted heavy Russian losses using anti-tank guided missiles and FPV drones, as well as improvised multiple launch rocket systems.[7][8][9][5] During this period, videos posted on social media also showed Omega snipers move into Russian-held areas to engage Russian soldiers.
Members
Reportedly, most of the members of the Omega group are former members of Ukrainian and, in rare cases, Soviet commando units. The unit generally avoids publicity.[5]
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