Anti-riot internal troops unit on stand-by in Viciebsk region

June 19, Pozirk. Viciaź, a new elite anti-riot unit organized by the Internal Troops’ at Military Unit No 5524 in Viciebsk, has been on stand-by since June 18, the Internal Troops command said on Telegram.

Its soldiers will be stationed in Viciebsk and Połack.

Internal Troops Commander Mikałaj Karpiankoŭ, a former organized crime unit chief known for his brutality during a police crackdown on peaceful protesters in the wake of the disputed 2020 presidential election, has set up at least 13 anti-riot units since late 2022, recruiting contract soldiers with experience in suppressing protests in Belarus.

Like the other units, Viciaź will focus on combatting sabotage, reconnaissance and illegal armed groups, cooperating with criminal investigators, suppressing mass riots and assisting border guards, the command said.

Its soldiers have “state-of-the-art equipment and weapons,” including drones, electronic warfare systems and armored vehicles, it noted.

Also read: Security zone set up around nuclear plant – commander