Cities, Warfare and Civilians' Security : Concepts and Practice of Military Operations On Urban Terrain

Abstract

In discussing military operations on urbanized terrain, the objective of this article is two-fold. First, it reviews the existing literature and offers a conceptual framework for analysis of non-combatants' security in urban warfare.

In the context of increasing urbanization and existing demographic trends, urban military operations entail a set of tactical, operational and strategic challenges. This is especially true regarding the issue of non-combatants.

Thus, the second key objective of this article is to analyze security of civilians as addressed in current urban military doctrines.

Keywords

• MOUT
• urban warfare
• security
• cities
• civilians
• non-combatants