Beijing sends 150 armed patrol vehicles to streets

Beijing police deployed 150 armed patrol vehicles to city streets Monday as part of its efforts to fight terrorism and maintain stability in the capital city.

The armed vehicles will become the "principal forces" in countering street terrorism and fighting severe violence in Beijing as the country fights violent attacks on civilians.

Sources with the Beijing Public Security Bureau said the patrol forces will mainly be responsible for incidents involving guns, bombs as well as mass violence or terrorism.

The vehicles will also function as a deterring force for any possible attackers or terrorists, the sources said.

The vehicles will be stationed at main intersections with heavy traffic.

Each vehicle will be deployed with nine policemen and four assistants as a team, the sources said.

The patrol forces will fully cover the main streets in Beijing, with each vehicle covering no more than three kilometers.

The police are required to reach the scene within three minutes after receiving a report, the sources said.