Guerrilla war in the concrete jungle

Abstract

With the world’s increasing urbanization many insurgent movements have followed the rural populations into the cities. The security forces have no choice: they must also follow, and prepare themselves to meet the guerrillas in the rabbit-warrens of city slums, on crowded public transport, and in busy market places, and defeat them without causing significant collateral casualties and damage. At the same time, they must administer and govern the space under their control. This requires a lot of special skills among the security forces, requires adjustments in the organization of the forces themselves, and absolutely demands the modification of certain tactical and operational principles.