Anti-aircraft gun crews positioned around Hanoi have reportedly been, strengthened as a result of recent American fighter-bomber raids against North Vietnamese anti-aircraft missile sites. The crews around the capital have been increased in number as new recruits are trained in the use of their weapons.

Before a recent drill, the crew of one of the guns were taking advantage of the free moments with a game of volleyball. When the drill began the alarm was sounded and the crow raced to their weapon. Aiming of the gun is assisted by a radar aiming mechanism. Some of the men joined the crews in January.

Originally, it was reported, many of the guns now in position around the capital were positioned closer to the Demilitarised Zone bordering South Vietnam. However, as American aircraft have increased their pressure against targets in North Vietnam, the guns are being moved closer to Hanoi.

On Sunday (17. January), two American jets fired three Shrike radar-homing missiles at two SAM sites, bringing to six the number of SAM radar-controlled anti-aircraft missile sites attacked by U.S. aircraft in North Vietnam in the preceding three days.