KGB was, until 1991, a government agency of the Soviet Union. It operated a secret-police force to maintain the Communist Party's control of the country. It also gathered political and military intelligence (information) about other countries. Such intelligence often involves a country's national security, and governments keep much of it secret. The KGB also provided bodyguards for Soviet officials and patrolled the borders. In other countries, besides gathering intelligence, the KGB conducted various secret operations to aid governments or political organizations friendly to the Soviet Union. It also aided opponents of governments that Soviet leaders disliked.