The Border Security Force (BSF) will soon get its first set of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of specially trained marine commandos to guard the sensitive creek region across the state. The Gujarat Frontier of the BSF is raising these teams, to be called “crocodiles”, along the lines of the Indian Navy for effective security along 104-km-long creek area under its jurisdiction.

“QRTs of marine commandos, who can operate effectively in creek areas was a long-felt need. Special training for these QRTs is on at Koteshwar here and will take about a year’s time for completion,” frontier IG, A K Sinha said.

Spokesperson of BSF, DIG (Intelligence), K Srinivasan, when contacted at his Delhi office said, “This is the first time that the force has decided to create QRTs of specially-trained commando groups for creek and marine related operations.” Senior officers said the teams will include handpicked trained BSF commandos selected on the basis of their swimming and marine diving performance, capacity to work in the rough creek area and terrain and firing abilities. “These QRTs will consist of six commandos headed by an Assistant Commandant. They will remain attached to the three Floating Border Out Posts (BOPs) in the creek area and will operate from special speedboats,” an officer said.