Global sharpshooters gather to target real counter-terrorism scenarios

After the fierce firing of bullets, some discussions and ceremonies, the Sharp Blade-2015 International Sniper Competition concluded on July 19 at a training base of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

For five days, more than 50 teams of snipers from over 20 countries including China, Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan and Spain tested their skills and combat readiness in the fourth edition of the event.

Selected by the armed police force, as well as by the People's Liberation Army's Ground Force, Navy and Air Force, 24 Chinese soldiers participated in the competition, which included 12 subjects under the categories of precision basics, typical scenarios, comprehensive combat and long-range challenges.

Many of the subjects were designed to mimic real counter-terrorism scenarios. The infiltration and sniping competition required snipers to eliminate "enemy" sentries 300 meters away in stealth, kill fleeing enemies, strike the main target, resist enemy reinforcement and exfiltrate.

"Completing seven missions within 20 minutes along a 1.1-kilometer route, snipers have to constantly shift between dynamic and static aiming," said Zhang Hao, head referee of the competition. "They have to reasonably allocate their stamina and energy, and cooperate with teammates, which is a huge test for them."

Adding that the competition designers had set some targets in-between valleys, Zhang said the event also involved tests of the snipers' nerves and decisiveness, as just a slight change in the wind might drastically influence the bullet's trajectory.

Hosted by the People's Armed Police Force, the biennial competition fosters international exchanges and friendship among soldiers, promotes combat readiness, and helps enhance their capabilities in peacekeeping missions.