The Lithuanian Police Anti-Terrorism Operations Unit “ARAS” is an independent specialized police unit that includes the command, Information, Analysis and Negotiation Division, Explosives Search and Liquidation Department, Special Unit, three companies, one of which is located in the port city of Klaipeda. The unit also has specialized intelligence groups, snipers, climbers, combat swimmers, and professional negotiators.
Main area of activity: power support of operations of the Lithuanian criminal police and anti-terrorist activities: the release of hostages, the elimination of the threat of explosions, if necessary, assistance to Lithuanian law enforcement agencies in the detention of especially dangerous armed criminals, the implementation of counter-sniper cover for especially important persons during official visits. The ARAS division is responsible not only for the elimination of terrorist acts, but also actively participates in their prevention. The functions of the unit include analysis of information on the threats of terrorism, preparation of various interagency plans for the elimination of terrorist acts for all state institutions.
The Lithuanian Police Anti-Terrorism Operations Unit “ARAS” was established on April 4, 1991 to solve specific tasks in the fight against organized criminal and terrorist structures. In 2011, ARAS celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Armament and equipment units.
Special forces soldiers are armed with various types of small arms: Heckler & Koch G36K assault rifles (also with AG36 grenade launchers) and Heckler & Koch G36C, Steyr AUG A2, SIG SG 552 Commando, PGM Ultima Ratio sniper rifles, PGM Hecate II, pistol guns & Koch MP5 and MP5SD, Glock 17 pistols. All weapons are equipped with various collimator sights and tactical flashlights. Various smoke, stun grenades and other special tools are used.
The uniform of the soldiers and officers of the detachment is black, with the inscription ARAS on the back, the emblem of the detachment on one arm and the police on the other. If necessary, unit soldiers can operate in various camouflage uniforms, sniper camouflage uniforms and even ordinary civilian clothing.
Interesting Facts.
The yellow color of the emblem of the special forces indicates its initial attitude to the criminal police units, but later the detachment began to perform broader tasks.