Guerilla

Guerrilla warfare is a form of irregular warfare in which small, mobile groups use tactics such as ambushes, raids, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks against a larger, conventional force. Guerrilla fighters often rely on popular support, intimate knowledge of terrain, and flexibility to avoid direct confrontation, aiming to erode the enemy’s will and disrupt its operations rather than seek decisive battles.

Etymology and usage: The term guerrilla comes from the Spanish diminutive of guerra (war), literally “little war.” It entered English in the early 19th century during the Peninsular War, when Spanish irregulars fought French forces. Today, it describes both the tactics employed by such groups and the broader approach of irregular warfare.

History: The approach originated in the Peninsular War (1808–1814) and spread to Latin American wars of independence in the early 19th century. In the 20th century, guerrilla movements played prominent roles in conflicts such as the Algerian War of Independence, the Cuban Revolution, and the Vietnam War, among others. In some cases, guerrilla groups evolved into formal military organizations; in others, they remained primarily irregular and decentralized.

Tactics and organization: Guerrilla groups are typically small, highly mobile, and capable of rapid maneuver. They employ ambushes, raids on supply lines, sabotage, and information warfare. Terrain such as mountains, forests, or urban environments often shapes operations. Many groups use decentralized, cell-based structures to limit exposure and maintain secrecy.

Impact and challenges: Guerrilla warfare seeks to compensate for disadvantages in resources or technology through endurance, political mobilization, and disruption of the opponent’s legitimacy. Conflicts involving guerrillas can be prolonged and controversial, particularly when civilian populations are affected or drawn into the fighting.