PLA holds urban warfare drill as Taipei looks to boost ‘asymmetric capabilities’
State television report showing operation in war-torn city airs soon after Taiwanese leader proposed extra US$40 billion in defence spending
In a report on Wednesday, state broadcaster CCTV aired footage of troops carrying out an operation to seize a built-up area in a war-torn city.
The drill – involving reconnaissance, clearing and occupation – was part of a live-fire exercise conducted by a PLA Ground Force brigade that aimed to “test multiple combat skills that are essential for urban offensive operations”, according to the report.
The infantry unit was shown moving into an area of concrete ruins in a light protected tactical vehicle and taking over a target building deemed critical to the city’s infrastructure.
Armed with rifles and portable anti-tank rockets, the soldiers were shown manoeuvring past obstacles including burning barricades on the road and barbed wire. The vehicle had a heavy machine gun mounted on it and a reconnaissance turret.
