GEO, SPAIN

Embedded into elite units

An episode from the series THE INSIDER

Synopsis

The GEO (Grupo Especial de Operaciones) is the elite unit of the Spanish police force that was created in 1978 when terrorist attacks perpetrated by the GRAPO and the ETA set the country on fire.

But their missions have been extended in recent years as the GEO has carried out hundreds of operations in Spain and abroad. It is the last line of defence against the ETA, has freed many hostages, arrested thousands of criminals and seized tons of weapons and drugs.

As the spearhead of the national police force, the GEO now faces a new form of threat: Islamic terrorism.