Ministers And High Commissioners visit Yamam- Elite Anti Terror Unit

Israeli ministers and police commissioners visited the base of the Yamam, an elite anti-terror unit, this morning. The entourage was comprised of Minister of defense Avigdor Lieberman, minister of internal security Gilad Erdan, and chief police commissioner Roni Alshich.

The purpose of the visit was to witness firsthand the special capabilities the unit possess in its fight against terror, and the rescuing of hostages amongst other operations. Also joining the group were the Magav (Border Police) high commissioner, Commander Zohar Dvir, Commander Nitsav Yackov Shabtai, and other Magav Commanders.

The ministers were very impressed with the Yamam’s various capabilities in many areas, including the famous Mistaravim unit, which disguises itself as local Arabs and infiltrates the enemy in every sphere of their society. The unit also presented its special K9 dog unit for defense missions, as well as search and rescue operations.

The group also watched a simulation of a hostage situation on a bus and in a building; along with the successful rescue of the hostages by the Yamam unit.
Aside from demonstrating their unique capabilities with the use of motorbikes; the unit also presented its ability to operate from the air, and performed some maneuvers with the use of military choppers.

“As a unique unit on the fight against terror, the Yamam must provide the answer and be capable to capture every building or vehicle where terrorists are present”, said Minister of internal Security Gilad Erdan.

“Today the unit already has operational experience and possess capabilities that are unparalleled around the world…as a government we have to categorize the unit as a national unit and assure that all the necessary, most advanced technological equipment be made available to the unit; so that they can continue neutralizing terrorists and save lives in any scenario that may happen”.

The Yamam was established in late 1974 after the Ma'alot massacre, where a failed rescue operation by special forces units resulted in the murder of 21 schoolchildren before the hostage takers were killed. Since hostage rescue tactics in friendly territory differ from those used in hostile areas, it was decided to establish an elite civilian force which develops and practices a special CQB (Close Quarters Battles) doctrine for counter-terrorism operations in friendly territory and hostage rescue.

Since the unit is involved in highly sensitive operations, their faces had to either be covered or blurred out when their photo was taken during the visit today.

Police commissioner Roni Alshich also commented on today’s visit saying, “these days when international terror is hitting all over the world and we are witness to various threats, the Yamam of Israel’s police force needs to develop and maintain a wide range of qualifications as unique and various as possible…”

Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!