Flankenangriffen

Flankenangriffen, a German term often translated as "flank attack," refers to a military maneuver where an attacking force strikes the side or rear of an enemy formation rather than its front. This tactic aims to exploit weaknesses in an enemy's defenses, which are typically strongest at the front. By outmaneuvering and attacking the less protected flanks, an attacker can disrupt enemy cohesion, encircle opposing forces, or bypass strong defensive positions. Historically, flank attacks have been used across various eras of warfare, from ancient phalanxes to modern mechanized assaults. Examples include Hannibal's envelopment of Roman legions at the Battle of Cannae and the German army's use of the Schlieffen Plan in World War I, which sought to attack France's flank. The success of a flank attack often depends on speed, surprise, and the ability of the attacking force to maintain its maneuverability while the enemy is reacting. It can also be a risky strategy if the attacking force's own flanks are left exposed or if the enemy can effectively counter the maneuver. The term is also used metaphorically in other contexts to describe attacking a weakness from an unexpected direction.