Thiruvananthapuram: Special Operations Group, the anti-terrorism squad of Kerala Police, which did not have its own officers for nearly ten years after its formation, finally received government approval for 43 posts. The posts were made by rearranging the allocations to various armed force units and coastal police units.

Until now, officers from other units used to work in the anti-terrorist squad. With the latest move, they will be known as members of the ATS. It includes the members of the anti-naxal force as well. The officers have received special training. Earlier, they used to return to their mother branch when they got a promotion. New officers used to replace them in the squad.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), later renamed as Special Operations Group, was started in 2013 to curb left-wing extremism in northern Kerala.

Currently, the Special Operations Group is under the control of SP (Operation) under the direct supervision of the DIG.

According to the government, the presence of terrorist groups in the state has decreased since the formation of ATS. The Special Operations Group also consists of commandos and anti-Naxal fighting groups.