flankaanval

A flankaanval, or flank attack, is a military maneuver in which one force strikes the side or rear of an adversary’s force in order to disrupt cohesion, exploit weak points, and create opportunities for pursuit, withdrawal, or encirclement. The objective is to bypass the main front and force the enemy to redeploy, exposing vulnerabilities that can decide a battle.

Execution of a flankaanval relies on speed, surprise, and accurate intelligence about the enemy’s dispositions. It typically requires good mobility, either by fast maneuver units, cavalry, or mechanized forces, and is often coordinated with pressure on the front to prevent the opponent from reinforcing the endangered flank. Terrain, lines of communication, and the element of encirclement are important considerations.

Variations of the tactic include a turning movement or envelopment. A flank attack can develop into a double envelopment (pincer) when both flanks are struck, potentially sealing off the enemy and breaking its center. Flanking is also a key component of broader maneuvers, such as breakthroughs or rapid advances designed to disrupt command and control.

Historical use and effectiveness vary with context. In antiquity, Hannibal’s wings at the Battle of Cannae demonstrated the power of decisive flank strikes. In modern warfare, blitzkrieg concepts in the Second World War emphasized rapid flank thrusts to threaten diversi limited by air superiority and armored mobility. While potentially decisive, flank attacks carry risks, including overextension, counterattacks against exposed flanks, and the need for secure and resilient supply and command structures.

Overall, a flankaanval aims to transform battlefield geometry by attacking where the enemy is weakest and least prepared to respond.