Who Are The Egyptian Special Forces?

The Egyptian Special Forces Unit is also known as Unit 777 or Task Force 777. It was created to counter terrorist activity as well as hijacking of Egyptian aircraft. The special forces unit was created in response to Anwar Sadat expelling Soviet military advisors from the country.

Their History

Unit 777 is also known as Task Force 777. They were created in 1977 in response to Sadat and an attempt to make peace with Israel. They have been dispatched several times and are considered to be a counter terrorism unit as well as a special operations unit.

How To Become A Member Of Unit 777

Little is known about this covert operation, although it can be assumed that they are military trained men who are members of the Egyptian Army. The Egyptian armed forces consist of a Navy as well as an Army. Unit 777 is an offshoot of the Egyptian Army. Details on how a person becomes member of this special task force are not known.

Unit 777 Training

Although the original Unit 777 was disbanded after the failed Malta rescue operation (see details below, the special forces operation now trains with several special operations units across the world, including the United States Delta Force, Navy Seals and the French GIGN.

What Are They Best At?

Their primary missions are to protect Egypt from terrorist activities perpetrated against them, both in the country as well as abroad. Disarming hijackings of Egyptian ships as well as airplanes are part of their duties. They are best at covert operations and sniper activities in an effort to rescue hostages and eliminate terrorists. Currently, they are involved in fending off terrorist threats in their own country perpetrated by the Muslim Brotherhood.

Weapons Of The Unit 777

Weapons used by Unit 777 are classified, although it is assumed that sniper rifles are a primary weapon used by this special forces unit. They use explosives as well as part of their efforts to gain access to hijacking situations.

Known Missions

They were deployed to Cyprus in 1978 to respond to a hijacking of an airplane by the Popular Front For The Liberation Of Palestine. Unfortunately, the Egyptian authorities did not inform the country of the arrival of their special force unit, costing the lives of 15 members of those who were sent in for the rescue mission. However, there were no casualties among the hostages of the hijacked aircraft.

They were also deployed in Malta with regard to the hijacking of an Egyptian aircraft. This mission was not considered to be successful as 57 of the 88 passengers who were hostages were killed by explosives set off by the task force and sniper shooting in the chaos that erupted after the task force gained entrance to the plane. The hostages were reportedly mistaken for the terrorists.

Units

Details of special units of Task Force 777 are unknown. At its onset, there were less than 80 members of this special task force. There are no known numbers as to how many members the task force has today.

Are They Professional Soldiers?

Details of the status of the soldiers are unknown, although as they are training with special operations units across the world and recruited from the Egyptian Army, it is assumed that they are professional soldiers who are equipped to handle life threatening situations, terrorist activity and hostage situations.