URBAN WARFARE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE MARAWI CRISIS

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20Jun_Garceron_Adolf_Ian.pdf (2.42 MB)
Authors
Garceron, Adolf Ian M.
Subjects
Armed Forces of the Philippines
AFP
urban warfare
Marawi
Marawi crisis
Marawi siege
AFP-Joint Special Operation Group
AFP-JSOG
JTG-Vector
Advisors
Blanken, Leo J.
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
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Abstract
On May 23, 2017, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched an operation against the appointed leader of the terrorist group, ISIS-Philippines. This operation was conducted by the AFP-Joint Special Operation Group (AFP-JSOG), the unit in charge of counterterrorism operations of the AFP, inadvertently starting the five-month-long urban battle against ISIS-Philippines in Marawi City. Subsequently, AFP-JSOG, designated as JTG-Vector during the Marawi siege, has contributed significantly to the clearing of the main battle area from the start to the end of the battle. This thesis used a heuristic single case study and identified the lessons learned that should be considered for the preparation of the AFP in future urban warfare. The lessons learned were generally based on the successes and failures in the operations of JTG-Vector. Ultimately, the recommendations of this study were practical for the improvement of the capability of the AFP in urban warfare. This study produced recommendations for the procurement of additional weapons and equipment that mainly influenced the outcome of JTG-Vector’s operations against the terrorists. Also, this study recommended the adoption of TTP developed during the siege that worked against terrorists and proved favorable for the welfare and safety of government forces.
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Thesis
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https://hdl.handle.net/10945/65523
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Defense Analysis (DA)
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Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
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