Who Are Iran’s ‘Black-Clad’ NOPO Commandos? Elite Unit Deployed to Protect Mojtaba Khamenei
Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei and Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, is now being protected by the elite NOPO counterterrorism unit. The move reportedly came after the killing of Ali Khamenei during a U.S.–Israel strike amid the ongoing regional conflict.
The heavily armed force — often described as a “black-clad kill squad” due to its combat gear and secrecy — is considered one of the most elite security units in Iran.
What Is the NOPO Force?
NOPO stands for Counter-terrorism Special Force, an elite tactical unit operating under Iran’s Special Units Command.
Key facts about NOPO:
- Established in 1991
- Functions as a specialized riot-control and counter-terrorism unit
- Operates under the Iranian national police’s special units
- Known for elite training and heavy weaponry
- Often deployed for hostage rescue and high-risk security operations
Although its official mission involves counter-terrorism, analysts say the unit is frequently used for internal security operations and protecting top leaders.
Why Mojtaba Khamenei Is Being Guarded by NOPO
After the death of Ali Khamenei, reports suggest Iran assigned the NOPO force to protect his successor Mojtaba Khamenei amid fears of further attacks or instability.
Security experts say the decision reflects:
- Heightened assassination risks
- Potential unrest inside Iran
- Increased geopolitical tensions with the United States and Israel
Because of these risks, the regime is reportedly relying on its most loyal and highly trained security unit.
Why They Are Called the “Black-Clad Kill Squad”
NOPO commandos are often referred to as “black-clad” because they operate in distinctive black tactical uniforms and helmets during operations.
Their reputation as a “kill squad” comes from:
- Aggressive counter-terrorism tactics
- Heavy involvement in suppressing protests
- Deployment during major internal crises
Human-rights groups accuse the force of taking part in the violent crackdown on protests in Iran, including the 1999 student protests, 2019 anti-government demonstrations, and protests linked to the death of Mahsa Amini.
Structure and Deployment
According to reports, the NOPO unit consists of six specialized brigades stationed across key Iranian cities.
Deployment structure reportedly includes:
- 4 brigades in Tehran
- 1 brigade in Mashhad
- 1 brigade in Isfahan
These units are equipped with:
- Armored vehicles
- Advanced firearms
- Counter-terror gear
- Riot-control equipment
They are considered among the best-trained special units in Iran’s security apparatus.
Relationship With the Revolutionary Guard
NOPO operates separately from the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which was created after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect Iran’s political system.
While the IRGC handles broader military and security tasks, NOPO specializes in:
- Close protection of senior leaders
- High-risk tactical operations
- Counter-terror missions
- Internal security crackdowns
Some analysts believe the unit is extremely loyal to the supreme leader, making it the preferred security force for protecting Iran’s top leadership.
Controversies and Sanctions
The NOPO force has faced international criticism over allegations of human rights abuses during protest crackdowns.
In 2021, the United States Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on the unit for alleged involvement in serious human rights violations.
Critics say the force has been repeatedly used to suppress dissent and enforce strict internal control.
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