A new special forces unit has been established in Belarus, according to Major General Nikolai Karpenkov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and commander of the internal troops. The formation follows earlier units named Lynx, Smerch, and Honor and is part of a broader expansion of security capabilities within the country. Belarus Today reports the announcement and notes the creation of Berkut as the latest addition to the internal security forces.
Karpenkov described the initial phase of the new unit as completed, with training sessions and coordinated combat exercises already underway. Looking ahead, he indicated plans to distribute resources to establish three additional special forces detachments in the Belarusian cities of Gomel, Grodno, and Brest. This expansion would be achieved by reallocating existing resources rather than creating entirely new forces from scratch.
The deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus clarified that the mission of Berkut mirrors that of the other special units. Its primary roles include countering sabotage and reconnaissance groups, identifying illegal armed formations, and preventing potential threats to national security. The aim is to provide rapid response capabilities and robust deterrence across border and internal security domains.
In remarks from March 5, Ivan Kubrakov, the head of Belarus’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, warned that the opposition abroad could attempt to destabilize the country, including its security structures. He emphasized that the authorities stand ready to effectively respond to any destabilizing actions, including those directed at the Lynx, and related security formations. Kubrakov urged unity within the security apparatus to guard against external interference while continuing to maintain law and order at home. This stance underscores the government’s continued focus on strengthening internal security resilience amid regional tensions.