Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) is a direct action unit within the Venezuela National Police (CPNB). Headquartered in El Helicoide, they are considered a tier-one operations company by the Venezuelan Special Forces Community (FAES).
Operators from the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) receive police formation and military training. The unit was repurposed from a reaction squadron inside the police department to a heavily militarized force during the last decade.
1 Motto, Symbols, Patches and History
1.1 UOTE Motto
The official motto, “Comandos por Venezuela” (Commandos for Venezuela), is normally used as a battle cry. Furthermore, the unit’s second, unofficial motto–“El Commando Nunca Muere” (Commandos Never Die)–is saved for the funeral ceremonies of operators
1.2 UOTE Symbols and Patches
The logo of the unit consists of a winged knight (with a skull for a face) that is holding a sword over a banner, on which the words “loyalty,” “honour,” and “justice” are written. The use of skulls is widespread throughout the company and not restricted to the unit logo. Assets like patrol vehicles and weapon accessories are spray-painted with skull imagery, like grim reapers or punisher paraphernalia. This applies also to patches and flags. (Source)
1.3 UOTE History
1.3.1 First Squads
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) was established in 2011 as a quick reaction force for normal police units. Only 29 out of 180 police officers passed the initial government assessment and selection. Officers were immediately divided into the Alpha Squad and Bravo Squad before being headquartered in El Helicoide. (Source)
Venezuela’s Ministry of Interior tasked the platoon with providing fire support to rank-and-file officers involved in shootings that required heavier weapons than pistols or shotguns. Hugo Chávez’s reform of the police prohibited standard officers from carrying assault weapons. UOTE’s designation as a tactical unit, however, allows them to circumvent the legislation. (Source)
1.3.2 From Security Force to Assault Element
Caracas saw a surge in gang activity in 2013 and 2015, prompting the administration to redirect the company towards a more proactive role in crime fighting. After a few months, the unit was regularly deployed inside slums as an assault element, and additionally, the resulting firefights caused the UOTE to gain a reputation inside the National Police Department (CPNB) as a direct action unit unwilling to take prisoners. (Source)
The People’s Liberation Operations (OLP) was an initiative spearheaded by the team’s members in 2016 and 2017 to secure critical zones of the capital under criminal control. Roles inside the command structure were finally standardized, and the special operators were sent in as the main force while patrol officers established roadblocks and perimeter security around the targeted neighbourhoods. (Source)
1.3.3 Becoming Direct Action
The UOTE was responsible for one-third of the officer-involved shootings during the People’s Liberation Operations (OLP). Out of the 403 suspect killings in Caracas during 2018, 124 were attributed to the unit with eighty-eight labelled as “resistance to authority” incidents and 31 as extrajudicial killings. (Sources)
Police in Venezuela militarized their tactics in the following years. The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) was no different, and soon the silent raids with radio silence and suppressed weapons were shifted to heavy assaults using armoured vehicles and snipers in helicopters. (Source) (Source)
1.3.4 Going Military and Current Status
More than a decade of constant training and expansion in funding allowed the platoon to attract a cadre of police officers and military personnel. Currently, there are at least a hundred operators divided into different operational detachments and the unit has a nationwide area of operations. (Source)
The scope of the operations expanded from civilian policing in 2014 into military action in 2018, specifically counterinsurgency and counterintelligence. The UOTE counts at least five different combat deployments in the Venezuela-Colombia border area to combat insurgent guerrillas. (Source)
2 Organization
2.1 Chain of Command and Order of Battle
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) is an independent division of the Venezuelan National Police (CPNB). It takes orders directly from the police chief or the interior ministry. Fray Garcia, a former operator of the initial squadrons, serves as the actual company commander and executive officer at the same time. (Source)
The previous order of battle (ORBAT) involved the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) in the Venezuelan Special Forces Command (FAES). However, the operators from the UOTE considered the officers from the FAES as a lesser unit, riddled with complaints and scandals. (Source)
Constant efforts were made to differentiate both units. UOTE wore combat uniforms, while the FAES kept civilian clothing. Additionally, headquarters were also separated as confrontations and rivalry reached unprecedented levels and the company became independent. FAES went to La Quebradita in West Caracas, while the UOTE remained in the Helicoide in Downtown Caracas.
The UOTE suffered its heaviest change in command after the 2019 coup attempt in Venezuela. Rafael Bastardo, a military officer serving as company commander, went black on coms during the military uprising. The Ministry of Interior sent Bastardo to Moscow to be a military attaché as an in-house sanction. (Source)
Command of the company was transferred to the director of the Strategic Intelligence Division of the National Police (DAET). Miguel “Miguelito” Dominguez ran the unit as a force multiplier for the Venezuelan Special Forces Command (FAES) for a couple of years before transferring independent command to Fray Garcia.
2.2 Recruitment and Training
The Junquito Special Formation Center (CEFO) offers courses every year. Candidates must be graduates from the National Experimental College of Security (UNES) and hold a non-commissioned officer rank, as well as be in active service. Personnel from the armed forces are also accepted if they come from special operations.
Recruitment and Assessment (SFAS) lasts two months and is considered by internal sources as the most demanding phase. Days start with a three-kilometre march every morning before going into shooting qualifications and mountain rucking. A one-kilometre swim in open waters is mandatory every week. Instructors also limit the calorie intake of the candidates during the selection. (Source)
The current pipeline lasts between five and seven months, including the assessment phase. The initial sixty days are focused on physical capabilities and tactical theory. After surviving the first month’s selection process, officers are trained in close-quarters combat and small-unit tactics in El Junquito and El Helicoide. These courses, along with target practice, constitute the third month of the pipeline.
Bikes are an essential part of the training. Venezuela shanty towns are, in some cases, only accessible via motorbikes. Operators are expected to manoeuvre motorbikes in and out of alleys, as well as be able to climb stairs on the vehicles while providing cover or extracting casualties. The procedure for motorbike training is standardized for local special operation forces (GAC, BAE, DIP, GRI).
Additional training for the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) is conducted by the National Guard Special Forces (GAC) at Macarao Special Forces School. This is considered a separate pipeline since it incorporates military elements to the police force. Nevertheless, candidates must finish this course before being included in the company.
3 Equipment
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) uses standardized equipment from the Venezuelan National Police (CNPB) and the Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB). Unlike other special units around the world, grooming standards and equipment customization are usually kept on a tight leash. Every operator must adhere to codes of conduct and uniform rules like every other rank and file.
The standard uniform is composed of a combat shirt and combat pants along with police boots. Camouflage and battle dress vary, given that the availability of equipment has evolved over the years. Squadrons from the early stages wore a grey and black battle dress. Therefore recent personnel had access to Black Multicam, Marine Pattern, and Midnight Digital.
3.1 Weapons
Operators are assigned an AK-103 as a primary weapon and a PX4 as a backup sidearm for usual operations where contact is expected. On the other hand, supervisors (NCOs) can request combat shotguns and sniper rifles for weapons specialists if the operation demands it. These platforms are only available for senior members with weapons qualifications.
HK MP5s or the MP5SD variant were used as issued firearms during the early years but were phased out because of their short range and low calibre. MP5SD submachine guns used by the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) are refurbished weapons acquired from the Motorized Commandos of the Metropolitan Police (PM). Other weapons at the disposal of the company include battle rifles and small arms that are acquired from other local special operations forces.
- FN FAL
- AR15
- M4A1
- AK74
- SVD
- Sako TRG
- Glock 17
- Glock 23
3.2 Armor and Kit
- Ops-Core Super High Cut helmet
- 5.11 Tactical Pants
- 5.11 Rapid Assault Shirt
- Swat Alpha Fury Boots
- Loblan Black Tactical Boots
- Patriota Tactical Vest
- Patriota Plate Carrier
3.3 Police Patrols
- Toyota Machito
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Tacoma
- Hummer H3
- Suzuki DR 650
- Kawasaki KLR 650
- Suzuki Vstrom 650
- Toyota Land Cruiser L70
- Tiuna Commander
- Norinco VN4
4 Tactical-Operational Information
4.1 Operations
The UOTE deploys on a daily basis as a direct action unit. However, the unit has also taken part in high-profile police operations and military campaigns. Between 2015 and 2019, the unit was responsible for neutralizing the main criminal leaders in Caracas. After the change in the command structure in 2019, the operators were cleared to participate in political action and counterintelligence missions.
4.1.1 Operation Liberation of the People
Operation Liberation of the People (OLP) was a series of police deployments ordered from 2015 to 2018 by President Nicolás Maduro in response to increased criminal activity. Operations in Caracas consisted of heavy raids on designated areas, where previously targeted criminal elements were neutralized or detained. During the first two years, at least 500 suspected criminals were killed by gunfire in what human rights activists called extrajudicial killings. (Source)
4.1.2 Detaining Green Berets
Operation Gideon was an attempt by a group of Venezuelan military dissidents and American private contractors to infiltrate Venezuela and topple the Maduro regime in May 2020. Three different incursions fell short after being detected along the coast. The Macuto insertion point in La Guaira was patrolled by members of the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE).
Operators deployed in Macuto captured eight of the attackers in the initial hours of the landing and killed eight more that landed in a second wave. Luke Denman and Airan Berry, two green berets that took part in the failed plan, were hunted down by the unit, along with the team that landed in the second incursion point, before being handed to the Venezuelan Internal Intelligence Services (SEBIN).
4.1.3 Counter Insurgency in Colombia
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) was also deployed to the border during the conflict between dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Venezuelan Armed Forces (FANB). The 2021 Apure clashes started on 21 March in the south of the Páez Municipality and saw the displacement of at least 6,000 Venezuelans in Colombian territory. (Source)
The Venezuelan Strategic Operational Command (CEOFAN) called the unit to the front after a series of guerrilla ambushes against regular soldiers that left dozens killed in action or taken prisoners. Police involvement in Apure was met with criticism, as local experts warned about the militarization process taking place inside the company. (Source)
4.1.4 Urban Combat in Caracas
Caracas served as an urban operation theatre for the elite company during 2021 and 2022 as the government sought to root out criminal gangs in Caracas. Raids on the Cota 905, began on 07 July 2021, as the criminal organization that controlled the shantytown started firing into the city. Unofficially, between 20 and 50 suspects were gunned down by the operators during house-to-house combat.
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) receive support from different special forces groups during the operations. Venezuelan Internal Intelligence Commandos (SEBIN) and Military Intelligence Directorate (DGCIM) provided sniper overwatch, while the Judicial Police Special Brigade (CICPC) acted as a manoeuvre element from different alleyways. (Source)
4.1.5 Tren de Aragua Incident
Operation Guaicapuro was a security campaign carried out in the country’s most dangerous prisons in order to dismantle prison gangs in 2023. Over 11,000 agents from different law enforcement agencies took part in the operations that were seized by assaulting the correctional facilities. Team members acted mostly as an assault and breaching element inside barricaded cellblocks. The Venezuelan Government faced criticism after el Tren de Aragua’s leadership structure evaded the encirclement and managed to escape. (Source)
4.2 Core Purpose
The UOTE was conceived, in theory, as a quick reaction force available for emergency situations that require a tactical approach beyond the training and capacity of regular police officers. Today, the original doctrine of dedicated squadrons for hostage situations and barricaded suspects is in the rear mirror.
Under different management, the unit’s purpose shifted. It went from boosting law enforcement capabilities into serving as a militarized shock troop. Direct action and also heavy raids were the main focus of the group. Operators still respond to officer down or shots fired backup calls, but the bulk of the deployments are planned and executed as military missions. (Source)
4.3 Tactics
Since the militarization of the company, policing protocols have been replaced by military procedures. Tactics like bounding and peeling are applied on deployments in civilian areas. Emphasis on close-quarter combat doctrine is also applied to foot patrols. Operators are inserted into the planned raids with armoured vehicles, while the normal patrols are left for a backup response.
Members from the unit rely on velocity and violence to dominate buildings and reduce response time from possible suspects. Breaching is usually conducted with crowbars and hammers; flashbang grenades and breaching shotguns are not employed by the company. Silencers also play a huge role in night raids and direct action. (Source)
4.4 Personnel size
Clandestine sources interviewed by journalists estimate the company’s strength is close to a hundred police officers. The UOTE actual numbers are not made available to the public, but since its creation, at least ten operators graduate each year from the training pipeline. Between twelve and fifteen operators have been killed in the line of duty in the last ten years.
5 The Future
The future looks uncertain for the unit. Among the challenges lies the excess of special operation forces in Venezuela. These groups proliferated under the process of militarization in local law enforcement in the last decade, an expansion that blurred lines in designed roles and areas of responsibility and led to some new units stepping over older units from the National Police and the Investigations Bureau.
The Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE) may see fewer deployments in the future as the Special Activities Division of the Venezuelan Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) steps in to fulfil the role of a direct action special forces. Power plays inside Caracas’ political elite may also shape the future of the unit as officials seek more deniability in operations. (Source)
Another challenge to the operators is the ongoing investigation led by The Hague against Nicolas Maduro for alleged crimes against humanity. Venezuelan Special Forces Command (FAES), the currently disavowed bigger brother of the Unidad de Operaciones Tácticas Especiales (UOTE), is one of the units which is also often mentioned in the preliminary reports about killings, disappearances and torture. (Source) As a damage control measure, the FAES was disbanded and reformed as the Organized Crime Task Force (DCDO) and there have been suggestions that further damage control be done through unit name changes and massive personnel transfers, but other police agencies and military outfits have been reluctant to accept transfers from the FAES and UOTE as the investigation progresses.