OMON

OMON, an acronym for Otryad Mobilny Osobogo Naznacheniya (Mobile Unit of Special Purpose), is a Russian police tactical unit. Historically, OMON units were part of the Soviet Militsiya and later the Russian Militsiya, and since 2011, have been integrated into the National Guard of Russia (Rosgvardiya). These units are typically deployed for crowd control, riot suppression, counter-terrorism operations, and responding to serious public disorder.

OMON units are known for their distinctive black uniforms and were often seen as a visible presence during protests and demonstrations. Their training emphasizes riot control tactics, the use of non-lethal and lethal force, and rapid response capabilities. Over the years, OMON has been involved in various domestic security operations across Russia and has also been deployed in some international contexts.

The role and public perception of OMON have evolved significantly since its inception. While often seen as an instrument of state power, its actions and methods have also drawn criticism and controversy. The integration of OMON into the Rosgvardiya in 2016 marked a significant restructuring of Russia's internal security forces, consolidating various paramilitary and special police units under a single command.