Raijintai

Raijintai (雷刃隊, Raijintai) was a special operations unit of the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Its name translates roughly to "Thunder Blade Squad" or "Thunder Edge Unit." The Raijintai was formed in the later years of the war, primarily tasked with conducting raids and sabotage operations against Allied forces.

The unit was composed of highly trained soldiers who specialized in unconventional warfare tactics. These tactics often included infiltrating enemy lines, disrupting supply chains, and conducting ambushes. They were known for their aggressive and daring maneuvers, aiming to inflict maximum damage with minimal resources. Due to the late stage of the war and Japan's increasingly desperate situation, Raijintai units were often utilized in suicide missions, although not exclusively. Their equipment typically consisted of standard Japanese weaponry supplemented with explosives and specialized tools for sabotage.

Documentation regarding the precise organizational structure, operational details, and specific successes of the Raijintai is limited and often fragmented. Much of what is known comes from anecdotal accounts and post-war analysis. Their effectiveness is difficult to assess comprehensively, but they represent a facet of the Japanese military's late-war efforts to resist the Allied advance.