Ambush

Ambushes as a basic fighting tactic of soldiers or of criminals have been used consistently throughout history, from ancient to modern warfare.

The term "ambush" is also used in animal behavior studies, journalism, and marketing to describe methods of approach and strategy.

In the 20th century, a military ambush might involve thousands of soldiers on a large scale, such as at a choke point like a mountain pass.

Conversely, it could involve a small irregular band or insurgent group attacking a regular armed-force patrol.

In recent centuries, a military ambush can involve the exclusive or combined use of improvised explosive devices (IED).

This allows attackers to hit enemy convoys or patrols while minimizing the risk of being exposed to return fire.

Hannibal encamped within striking distance of the Romans with the Trebia River between them, and placed a strong force of cavalry and infantry in concealment, near the battle zone.

He had noticed, says Polybius, a "place between the two camps, flat indeed and treeless, but well adapted for an ambuscade, as it was traversed by a water-course with steep banks, densely overgrown with brambles and other thorny plants, and here he proposed to lay a stratagem to surprise the enemy".

This ability to maintain discipline and break out or maneuver away from a kill zone is a hallmark of good troops and training in any ambush situation.

Another Lusitanian ambush was performed by Curius and Apuleius on Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus Servilianus, who led a numerically superior army complete with war elephants and Numidian cavalry.

[8][page needed] Germanic war chief Arminius sprung an ambush against the Romans at Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.

The Germans also used blocking obstacles, erecting a trench and earthen wall to hinder Roman movement along the route of the killing zone.

Sa'd, with his soldiers, set up an ambush in the valley of Kharrar on the road to Mecca and waited to raid a Meccan caravan returning from Syria.

[21] The NVA/VC ambush formations consisted of: Other elements might also be included if the situation demanded, such as a sniper screen along a nearby avenue of approach to delay enemy reinforcements.

The command post was situated in a central location, frequently on terrain which afforded it a vantage point overlooking the ambush site.

This method helped keep the enemy under continuous observation from a variety of vantage points, and allowed the recon groups to cover one another.