Special Intervention Group

The Special Intervention Group (Groupe d'Intervention Spécial, GIS) is a special forces group created in Algeria in 1987, initially with 300 members. It is responsible for counter-terrorism, sub-unit of the Départment du Renseignement et de la Sécurité (DRS). It is based in Algiers and has a base at Blida, 50 km (31 miles) from Algiers.

In addition to the commando-style typical training of Western forces like the French COS and the Russian Spetsnaz, they also receive training on specialized topics like tactical intervention from the GIGN, RAID, SWAT, and Spetsnaz Alpha Group.

Since 1992, GIS forces have operated within the context of violent confrontation between the Algerian government and Islamic militants; major human rights violations against civilians have been alleged against both sides. A resulting arms embargo against Algeria initially prevented the GIS from obtaining equipment such as night-vision goggles typical for such units. However, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, western matériel vendors were allowed to sell equipment to Algeria in the name of the international War on Terrorism.