Ambush

An ambush is a surprise attack staged by fighters from concealment against an unsuspecting opponent. The intent is to maximize casualties or disruption by catching the target off guard, often using surprise, concealment, and favorable terrain. The term derives from the French embuscade, meaning "lie in wait."

Ambushes rely on concealment and surprise and typically involve pre-positioning weapons or observers and blocking routes of retreat. They can be targeted against individuals, patrols, convoys, or larger formations, and are often categorized as point ambushes at a fixed site or area ambushes covering a zone.

Historically, ambushes appear across eras, from ancient warfare to modern irregular conflicts. Classical sources, such as Sun Tzu, emphasize ambush as a means to gain advantage; in the 20th century, guerrilla and insurgent movements used ambushes as a core tactic against conventional forces.

Countermeasures include reconnaissance, security patrols, and continuous movement to reduce exposure. In international law, ambushes are scrutinized for compliance with the laws of armed conflict, particularly when they involve civilians or protected persons.