COMMENTARY / Japan

Increased vigilance is needed to address unconventional warfare in the Indo-Pacific

The attack by Hamas on Israel using unconventional tactics should be a wake-up call for security planners

Chinese fishing boats depart from a port in Zhejiang province on their way toward the East China Sea where the disputed Senkaku Islands are located. China uses swarming tactics around the islets involving multiple vessels in its effort to challenge Japan's control over the area. | REUTERS

By Stephen R. Nagy
Contributing Writer

Oct 17, 2023

The surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants on Oct. 7 raises the specter of unconventional warfare being waged to achieve political objectives in other parts of the world as well, including in Japan’s backyard.

Unconventional warfare is a blanket term used to describe all military and quasi-military operations outside of conventional warfare, namely wars fought between states. It includes, but is not exclusive to, revolutionary wars and their constituents, subversion and guerrilla operations, as well as other types of special operations.

The tactics used by Hamas are clear examples of unconventional warfare. These include the launching of "homemade" rockets, the breaching of Israeli borders using motor gliders, bulldozers and boats, as well as the indiscriminate killing and kidnapping of civilians — including children and the elderly — to use as hostages.