Spetsnaz
/ˈspɛtsnaz/(also Spetznaz)
noun
In Russia and (formerly) the Soviet Union: a highly trained, elite armed force used in top-security international operations.
Origin
1980s; earliest use found in The New York Times. From Russian specnaz (also transliterated spetsnaz) from spec- (in special′nogo, neuter genitive singular of special′nyj special) + naz- (in naznačenija, genitive singular of naznačenie purpose, appointment), shortened from a phrase such as vojska special′nogo naznačenija special purpose forces or otrjad special′nogo naznačenija special purpose detachment.