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The Commandement des Opérations Spéciales (COS) of France is an elite unit in the country's military structure, responsible for carrying out highly complex and risky missions. Founded in 1992, the COS was created to unify and coordinate the various French special forces under a single command, thus increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the planning and execution of special operations. This centralized structure allows for rapid crisis response and superior operational capability in combat missions, reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and other critical tasks both in France and abroad.
The COS includes highly specialized units such as the 1st Marine Parachute Regiment (1er RPIMa), the 13th Parachute Dragoon Regiment (13e RDP), and the Hubert Commando, among others. These units bring a wide range of skills ranging from deep reconnaissance in enemy territory to assault and rescue operations in maritime environments. COS soldiers are selected through extremely rigorous processes and undergo intensive training that includes combat techniques, infiltration and exfiltration tactics, parachuting, diving, and explosives handling. This thorough preparation ensures that COS operators can meet any challenge in the most hostile environments.
One of the COS' most notable missions was Operation Serval in Mali in 2013. This mission was carried out in response to the threat from jihadist groups who had taken control of much of northern Mali and were threatening to advance south. . The COS was instrumental in the rapid mobilization and deployment of French forces, carrying out precise reconnaissance and attack operations to neutralize the insurgents. COS operators, working closely with the Malian armed forces and other allies, managed to dismantle the command and control structures of the terrorist groups, inflicting severe casualties and recapturing occupied territory. The intervention not only slowed the advance of the jihadists, but also stabilized the region, highlighting the COS's ability to operate effectively in asymmetric conflicts and desert environments.
Another significant mission was the release of hostages in Burkina Faso in 2019. In this operation, two French tourists had been kidnapped in Benin and taken to a hideout in Burkina Faso, where they were in the hands of a terrorist group. The COS carried out a night rescue operation, infiltrating the kidnappers' camp and eliminating the terrorists. Despite the difficulty of the mission and the risks involved, the COS operators were able to successfully free the hostages. However, two members of the COS, Cédric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, lost their lives in the operation, underlining the constant danger these soldiers face and their bravery in carrying out their duty.
The COS has also played a crucial role in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. In 2008, they participated in the operation to free the French yacht "Le Ponant", which had been hijacked by Somali pirates. After days of fruitless negotiations, the COS carried out an assault operation on the high seas, using helicopters and fast boats to board the ship and free the crew. The operation was a complete success, with all the hostages freed and the pirates captured. This type of mission demonstrates the ability of the COS to carry out complex and dangerous operations at sea, using a combination of intelligence, speed and force to resolve crisis situations.
In Syria and Iraq, the COS has been actively involved in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), providing support to local forces and carrying out direct operations against jihadist leaders. In 2015, the COS carried out a high-risk mission to eliminate a top ISIS leader, known as Abu Bakr al-Hakim, who was responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in France and elsewhere. Using precise intelligence and advanced infiltration techniques, COS operators managed to locate and eliminate al-Hakim, dealing a significant blow to the terrorist organization.
In addition to its combat missions, the COS has been instrumental in civilian evacuation operations in conflict zones. During the crisis in Libya in 2011, the COS organized and executed the evacuation of hundreds of French and other nationalities caught in the middle of fighting between government forces and rebels. This operation required meticulous planning and precise execution, as COS operators had to coordinate with various international agencies and manage logistics in an extremely dangerous environment. The successful evacuation highlighted the COS's ability to operate in high-tension situations and its commitment to protecting human lives.
The COS has also been instrumental in intelligence and reconnaissance operations, providing critical information for the planning and execution of military operations. In deep reconnaissance missions, COS operators infiltrate enemy territory to collect data on troop movements, weapons positions, and other relevant activities. This information is vital for the French armed forces and their allies, allowing them to make informed and accurate decisions on the battlefield. In Operation Barkhane in the Sahel, for example, the COS has carried out numerous reconnaissance missions that have facilitated the capture and elimination of terrorist leaders and the destruction of enemy infrastructure.
The COS's role in protecting dignitaries and securing important events is also notable. They have been deployed to ensure the safety of world leaders during international summits and other high-profile events, using their expertise in protection tactics and crisis management. During the G7 summit in Biarritz in 2019, the COS was responsible for the security of the leaders of the world's major economies, ensuring that the event proceeded without incident. This ability to protect key figures in potentially volatile situations is an essential part of the COS mission.
Training and international cooperation are also fundamental aspects of the COS's work. They have participated in joint training programs with special forces from allied countries, sharing knowledge and techniques to improve global threat response capabilities. This exchange of information and experience is vital to strengthening international alliances and improving global security. The COS has trained special forces from African countries, for example, improving their capabilities to fight terrorism and organized crime in their respective regions.
The constant evolution and adaptation of COS to new threats is one of the reasons for its continued success. They have integrated advanced technologies, such as drones and encrypted communication systems, into their operations, allowing them to operate more efficiently and securely. The incorporation of these technologies also facilitates coordination with other military units and intelligence agencies, improving the COS's ability to carry out complex and multinational operations.
The history and missions of the COS are a testament to its dedication, bravery and ability to protect France and its interests around the world. Since their founding, they have demonstrated time and time again their ability to operate in the most extreme conditions and face complex challenges with professionalism and effectiveness. The dedication of COS members to their mission and their willingness to put their lives at risk to save others is a reflection of the spirit of service and sacrifice that defines this elite unit.
The future of the COS will likely continue to face new threats and challenges, from terrorism to organized crime and international crises. Their ability to adapt and evolve, together with their commitment to excellence and innovation, will ensure that they continue to be a vital force in France's security and in the fight against global terrorism. The history of the COS is one of bravery, skill and sacrifice, and their legacy will endure as they continue to face and overcome the most difficult challenges of the modern world.
The importance of COS in national and international defense cannot be underestimated. Their ability to carry out high-precision and high-risk operations, whether on land, sea or air, makes them an indispensable tool for the French government in the fight against terrorism and the protection of citizens. The effectiveness of the COS in past and present missions underscores the importance of maintaining and strengthening these elite units, ensuring that they are always prepared to face any threat that arises.
COS's commitment to operational excellence and constant innovation is evident in every mission they carry out. From hostage rescue operations to intelligence missions and direct combat, COS operators demonstrate their skill and dedication time and time again. As global threats continue to evolve, the COS will remain an essential force in the defense of France and the promotion of global stability and security. The history of the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales is a chronicle of courage, sacrifice and professionalism, and its legacy will live on for future generations of special forces.