kontrahyökkäyksestä

A counterattack, or kontrahyökkäys in Finnish, is a military tactic involving the resumption of offensive operations by a force that has been subjected to an attack. It is typically launched by a defending force that has successfully repelled an initial assault, or has suffered losses and seeks to regain initiative or inflict further damage on the enemy. The primary objective of a counterattack is to exploit weaknesses in the attacking force, disrupt their operations, or reclaim lost territory.

The success of a counterattack often depends on several factors, including surprise, concentration of force, timing, and the enemy's state of exhaustion or disorganization. A well-executed counterattack can be highly effective in turning the tide of a battle, leading to the destruction or rout of the attacking enemy. Conversely, a poorly planned or executed counterattack can result in significant losses for the defending force and the failure to achieve its objectives.

Counterattacks can vary in scale, from small-unit actions to large-scale offensives involving entire armies. They are a fundamental aspect of military strategy and have been employed throughout history in various conflicts. The concept is also applied metaphorically in other contexts, such as politics or sports, to describe a response that aims to regain an advantage after being put on the defensive.