SSG (Särkilda Skyddsgruppen, Engl: Special Protection Group) is a Swedish special operations unit which became active in 1994. The exact number of operatives is classified but is thought to amount to between 60 and 80, with an average age of 31. SSG can be deployed to achieve specific, well-defined and often time critical results of strategic or operational significance which cannot be achieved through the use of conventional forces. Typical missions undertaken by SSG is to engage and destroy targets of great significance to the enemy, to rescue people who are captured by the enemy or held hostage, and to gather intelligence through combat. SSG- missions require its operators to covertly infiltrate and move inside hostile territory and remain undetected for very long periods.