Colonel of the KGB of the USSR Vladimir Zaitsev died at the age of 78.

State security officer, Colonel of the KGB of the USSR Vladimir Zaitsev died at the age of 78. This was announced on August 13 by the press service of the international Association of veterans of the Alpha antiterrorism unit.

"The Alpha Board is deeply saddened to announce that Colonel Vladimir Nikolaevich Zaitsev has died at the age of 78," the article says.

Zaitsev worked in the state security system for more than 20 years, becoming a professional of the highest class. The press even dubbed him "the terror of spies." He was also the deputy head of group "A" of the seventh directorate of the KGB of the USSR.

During his career, Vladimir Nikolaevich participated in hostage rescue operations and the capture of foreign spies and traitors.

"He participated in landmark hostage rescue operations. Among them is the operation in Tbilisi (1983). Being at the forefront of the attack, he played a key role in freeing the passengers of the liner captured by a gang of armed terrorists," the Alpha Veterans Association added.

After retiring, he established himself as a statesman, worked as an assistant to the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation for the security sector (2000-2004). For his services, he was awarded the Orders of the Red Banner, the Red Star and "For Personal Courage."

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