ambush

military operation

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

An ambush is a military tactic where concealed attackers lie in wait to surprise and attack an enemy. This can involve a trap set up by hidden individuals or a group positioned for a surprise assault. The term can also refer to the act of approaching someone unexpectedly, such as in "ambush journalism". Historically, ambushes have been used to gain a significant advantage, as seen in the Battle of Trasimene, where Hannibal's forces used the terrain and fog to devastating effect against the Roman army. The goal is to overwhelm the opponent through surprise and strategic positioning.123

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tactics
The ambush and the trial of strength
The oldest, most primitive field tactics are those that rely on concealment and surprise—i.e., the ambush and the raid. Such tactics, which are closely connected to those used in hunting and may indeed have originated in the latter, are…
Read More
The oldest, most primitive field tactics are those that rely on concealment and surprise—i.e., the ambush and the raid. Such tactics, which are closely connected to those used in hunting and may indeed have originated in the latter, are…
Read More