Page 459 - The Viet-Cong Tet_Offensive_1968

either briefly before the infantry assault or for a specific length o{
tirne to destroy the targetrs defense capability before attack by the
infantry elernents. Any attack airned at occupation of a target outside
the city should be executed as quickly as possible.

Inside-the-CitY Phase :
Upon entering the city, the attacking force should
irnrnediately occupy high buildings' street intersections and other
strategic points, fan out into srnaller units capable of cornbating
independently in seParate areas, avoid face-to-face attacks to the
rnaxirnurn for flank and rear attacks, and apply the three-to-three
tactics for cornbined assault and sapper actions.

Attacks Against Buildings :
Upon entering a building, the attacking force should
divide itself into several cells : one taking positions upstairs' one
downstairs, one rnounting guard at the entrance' one searching inside
the house, using either bayonets or grenades. The guard cell protects
the searching cell, the downstairs ce1l protects the upstairs one. In
case of attack by tanks or repression fire power, the cel1s rnust
support one another in fierce resistance to effect a safe withdrawal.

Occupation of City Bunkers :
City bunkers are to be avoided, but if necessary they
should be overrun at all costs'

Counter as sault tactics :
The enerny thought that norrnally our reaction would
consist of tanks accompanying in{antry elernents, with air and artil-
Lery support, being launched in repeated srnall waves and always in
the day tirne. To counter such reaction, the enerny devised the fol-
lowing rnethod : First an intercepting fire barrage, taking ful1
advantage of the defense bunkers, and launching a counter assault in
case of heavy casualties on our side. If our reaction involves air
and arrnored support, the enerny would try to occupy wital positions
and diwide itself into three factions : one facing our force, one inter-
cepting our flank and one Pushing into our rear' In case of a reaction
involving heliborne troops, the enerny force would split in two : one
part dealing with our ground force, the other with the landing force
with fire power chiefly airned at the helicoPters and preventing the
landing troops {rorn c onc entr ating.

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