Editing Crossbow (section)

=== Military and paramilitary ===

Crossbows are no longer used in battles, but they are still used in some military applications. For example, there is an undated photograph of [[Peruvian Army|Peruvian soldiers]] equipped with crossbows and rope to establish a [[zip-line]] in difficult terrain.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.saorbats.com.ar/GaleriaSaorbats/Peruffaa04/images/b2aBriFFEE2_EP_jpg.jpg|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305184249/http://www.saorbats.com.ar/GaleriaSaorbats/Peruffaa04/images/b2aBriFFEE2_EP_jpg.jpg|url-status=dead|title=saorbats.com.ar|archive-date=5 March 2009|website=Saorbats.com.ar}}</ref> In Brazil, the CIGS (Jungle Warfare Training Center) also trains soldiers in the use of crossbows.<ref>[http://www.segurancaedefesa.com/Besta.jpg CIGS photograph] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305184249/http://www.segurancaedefesa.com/Besta.jpg |date=5 March 2009 }}.</ref>

In the United States, SAA International Ltd manufacture a {{convert|200|J|ftlbf|abbr=on}} crossbow-launched version of the U.S. Army type classified Launched [[Grappling hook|Grapnel Hook]] (LGH), among other mine countermeasure solutions designed for the Middle Eastern theatre. It was evaluated as successful in [[Cambodia]] and [[Bosnia]].<ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Mines-and-Mine-Clearance/Launched-Grapnel-Hook-LGH-United-States.html Jane's LGH Mine Clearance by US forces Jul 2009]. Janes.com (9 June 2011). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> It is used to probe for and detonate tripwire-initiated mines and booby traps at up to {{convert|50|m|yd|abbr=on}}. The concept is similar to the LGH device originally fired from a rifle, as a plastic retrieval line is attached.<ref>[http://www.saa-intl.com/products/images/crossbow2.jpg LGH Plastic Retrieval Line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212194101/http://www.saa-intl.com/products/images/crossbow2.jpg |date=12 February 2010 }}. None. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> Reusable up to 20 times, the line can be reeled back in without exposing the user. The device is of particular use in tactical situations where noise discipline is important.<ref>[http://www.saa-intl.com/products/crossbow.html SAA Crossbow Launched Grapnel Hook] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715221520/http://www.saa-intl.com/products/crossbow.html |date=15 July 2011 }}. Saa-intl.com. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref>

In Europe, Barnett International sold crossbows to [[Serbian Army|Serbian forces]] which, according to ''[[The Guardian]]'', were later used "in [[ambush]]es and as a counter-sniper weapon" against the [[Kosovo Liberation Army]] during the [[Kosovo War]] in the areas of [[Peć|Pec]] and [[Djakovica]], south west of Kosovo.<ref>{{cite web |author=Richard Norton-Taylor |date=8 August 1999 |title=British-made crossbows 'used by Serb soldiers' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/aug/09/balkans |work=The Guardian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421224919/https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/aug/09/balkans|archive-date=April 21, 2023}}.</ref> [[Whitehall]] launched an investigation, though the [[Department of Trade and Industry (United Kingdom)|Department of Trade and Industry]] established that not being "on the military list", crossbows were not covered by export restrictions. Paul Beaver of Jane's Defence Publications commented that, "They are not only a silent killer, they also have a psychological effect". On 15 February 2008, Serbian Minister of Defence [[Dragan Sutanovac]] was pictured testing a Barnett crossbow during a public exercise of the [[Serbian Army]]'s Special Forces in [[Niš|Nis]], {{convert|200|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Belgrade]].<ref>[http://www.daylife.com/photo/04ZU4Zr0xS4IA Day Life Serbia report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112045026/http://www.daylife.com/photo/04ZU4Zr0xS4IA |date=12 January 2009 }}. Daylife.com (15 February 2008). Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> Special forces in both Greece and Turkey also continue to employ the crossbow.<ref>[http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/KORNET-E/162.jpg Greek soldiers uses crossbow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221126000712/https://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/KORNET-E/162.jpg |date=26 November 2022 }}. I96.photobucket.com</ref><ref>[http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/KORNET-E/crosbow.jpg Turkish special ops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231746/http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l189/KORNET-E/crosbow.jpg |date=3 March 2016 }}. I96.photobucket.com</ref> Spain's Green Berets still use the crossbow as well.<ref>[http://www.boinasverdes.org/album/bataller/caperez/foto03.JPG Spanish Green Beret 2005 photo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212194101/http://www.boinasverdes.org/album/bataller/caperez/foto03.JPG|format=JPG|website=Web.arcgive.org |date=12 February 2010 }}.</ref>

In Asia, some Chinese armed forces use crossbows, including the [[Special forces|special force]] [[Snow Leopard Commando Unit]] of the [[People's Armed Police]] and the [[People's Liberation Army]]. One reason for this is the crossbow's ability to stop persons carrying explosives without risk of causing detonation.<ref>{{citation | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140202110148/http://english.pladaily.com.cn/site2/militarydatabase/2006-02/05/content_403376.htm | archive-date=2 February 2014| url = http://english.pladaily.com.cn/site2/militarydatabase/2006-02/05/content_403376.htm | title = New crossbow shoots with great accuracy}}</ref> During the [[July 2009 Ürümqi riots|Xinjiang riots of July 2009]], Crossbows were used by security forces to suppress rioters.<ref>Bingham, John. (9 July 2009) [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/5780852/Xinjiang-riots-Modern-Chinese-army-displays-ancient-preference-for-crossbow.html "Xinjiang riots: Modern Chinese army displays ancient preference for crossbow"]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. Retrieved on 24 June 2011.</ref> The [[Indian Navy]]'s [[Marine Commando Force]] were equipped until the late 1980s with crossbows with [[cyanide]]-tipped bolts, as an alternative to [[suppressor|suppressed handguns]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Marines.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025075700/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/Marines.html|url-status=dead|title=Marine Commando|archive-date=25 October 2007|access-date=27 January 2022}}</ref>