If we talk about high-risk police intervention in Spain, the GEO (Special Operations Group) is the spearhead. It was born in the late 70s, after the rise of terrorism in Europe and taking as reference units such as the German GSG 9. Its mission: counterterrorism, hostage rescue, complex assaults and protection of senior dignitaries inside and outside the country. Base in Guadalajara and deployment wherever needed

Curiosities 

1) Birth certificate: 1977–1978

The first course was called in 1977 and in April 1978 the first diplomas were awarded. The final push came after the success of GSG 9 in Mogadishu (1977), which accelerated the creation of shock units in Europe, including Spain.

2) Leganés 2004: the price of service

In the operation against the 11-M cell, the terrorists blew themselves up in a flat in Leganés during the police assault. In that operation, GEO Sub-Inspector Francisco Javier Torronteras died. It is one of the unit’s toughest milestones.

3) Successes with a low profile

GEO has rescued hundreds of hostages and dismantled dozens of cells since its creation, maintaining a very low casualty record for the type of missions it undertakes. The unit prioritizes discretion over the media spotlight. With the exception, of course, of the TV program G.E.O.: Más Allá del Límite . Haven’t you seen it? You shoul

4) ATLAS: a European network for major crises

GEO is a member of ATLAS Network, which integrates the EU’s police tactical units to share doctrine and operate jointly when needed.

5) Extremely tough (and long) selection

The pass rate is very low: only a small percentage of candidates completes the course, with weeks of shooting, CQB, negotiation, parachuting, diving and psychological tests. Various references put the course at around 30 teaching weeks.