Description

Death squads are often, but not exclusively, associated with the violent political repression under dictatorships, totalitarian states and similar regimes. They typically have the tacit or express support of the state, as a whole or in part (see state terrorism). Death squads may comprise a secret police force, paramilitary group or official government units with members drawn from the military or the police.

Death squads can kill or commit premeditated attacks against political opponents, alleged rebel sympathizers and any other people deemed "dangerous" or simply "undesirable" by authorities or local groups (e.g. homeless and squatters). They may also act to remove ethnic or political groups whose existence does not serve the purposes of the ruling elite (ethnic cleansing, politicide).