A special operations unit debuted Monday in the Ground Self-Defense Force in response to growing fears of terrorism and guerrilla attacks on Japan.

Headquartered in Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, the 300-member unit, consisting mainly of elite airborne troops and those who completed the strenuous ranger training course, will be tasked with intelligence-gathering and tracking suspected terrorists.

The unit will also help police hunt and capture guerrillas, the Defense Agency said.