Parliament Boosts Number of SBU's "Alpha" Unit Combatants
In a significant move, Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has approved a new law (Law No. 13353) that aims to bolster the Special Operations Center "Alpha" of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSC "A" SBU). The law, supported by 311 MPs during the parliament's session on July 16, seeks to double or even triple the effectiveness of SSC 'Alpha'.
The law sets the strength of SSC 'Alpha' at 10,000 fighters, a significant increase from its current estimated force of several thousand people. However, it remains unclear whether these additional fighters will be permanently stationed or deployed as needed, or if they will be shared with other SBU units.
The law also grants the Security Service of Ukraine the legal right to use all types of weapons in accordance with specific tasks. Yet, it does not specify whether this right is a permanent privilege or limited to specific situations.
SSC 'Alpha', known for its involvement in regular attacks on Russian oil refineries and responsible for destroying approximately 10% of enemy targets from all Defense Forces, has reportedly had to take positions from other SBU units to staff the centre. The law's adoption is expected to help address the issue of insufficient places for volunteers wanting to join SSC 'Alpha', according to Colonel SBU, Roman Kostenko.
However, the law does not provide details on how the increased personnel will be trained or equipped. Nor does it mention any changes to the SBU's budget to accommodate the increased personnel and equipment. Furthermore, the law does not provide a timeline for the recruitment and training of the additional personnel.
The law does not specify whether the 10,000 fighters include the current personnel of SSC 'Alpha', or whether the unit will be exclusively for SSC 'Alpha' or shared with other SBU units. The law also does not provide details on how the increased personnel will impact the unit's operational scope, financing, training, and equipment.
The 'Spiderweb' operation, another notable operation attributed to SSC 'Alpha', adds to the unit's reputation. The Defense Forces, estimated to have around a million personnel, will likely be observing the developments closely.
For a comprehensive understanding of the impact of this law on SSC 'Alpha', further information from Ukrainian sources or updates from the Security Service of Ukraine would be necessary. The law's passage marks a significant shift in the operational capabilities of SSC 'Alpha', but the details of its implementation remain to be seen.
[1] The law officially establishes the name of the A Special Operations Center (Alpha) and sets its framework, which could imply structural and operational changes within the unit.
- The debate surrounding the new law in Ukraine's parliament, Law No. 13353, expanded to include discussions about its potential implications for war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news.
- The law's approval also raised questions about the development and deployment of additional personnel for SSC 'Alpha', potentially impacting the political landscape and the overall dynamics of ongoing conflicts.
