encirclement

Encirclement is a military tactic in which forces attempt to surround an opponent or area, cutting off retreat and external support. The objective is to compel surrender or to deny resources, while preserving the encircling force. Encirclement can be tactical, confined to a single battle or sector, or strategic, operating over a wider campaign to isolate a force or region.

Common methods include the pincer movement (double envelopment) in which two wings close in from opposite directions; a siege or cordon where a perimeter is established and movement in and out is blocked; and naval or air blockades that seal off routes of supply and communication. Successful encirclement requires sufficient force, good intelligence, and the ability to prevent a relief attempt.

Encirclement entails both opportunities and risks. If complete, it can force rapid collapse; if incomplete or poorly coordinated, it may allow the surrounded force to break out or relieve itself, potentially turning the tactic into a costly stalemate. Logistical strain on the encircling army can also undermine operations.

Historically, encirclement has been decisive in battles such as the double envelopment at Cannae during the Second Punic War, Caesar’s siege of Alesia, and the Soviet encirclement of German forces at Stalingrad. In modern warfare, encirclement can involve combined land, air, and sea operations and is often constrained by political and humanitarian considerations.