Encirclement

An encirclement during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)

Encirclement is a military term for the situation when a force or target is isolated and surrounded by enemy forces.^[1] The situation is highly dangerous for the encircled force. At the strategic level, it cannot receive supplies or reinforcements, and on the tactical level, the units in the force can be subject to an attack from several sides. Lastly, since the force cannot retreat, unless it is relieved or can break out, it must fight to the death or surrender.

A special kind of encirclement is the siege. In that case, the encircled forces are enveloped in a fortified position in which long-lasting supplies and strong defences are in place, allowing them to withstand attacks. Sieges have taken place in almost all eras of warfare.

^ "U.S. Army FM 3-90 Appendix D, Encirclement Operations". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2012-01-23. Encirclement operations are operations where one force loses its freedom of maneuver because an opposing force is able to isolate it by controlling all ground lines of communication and reinforcement.

[1] "U.S. Army FM 3-90 Appendix D, Encirclement Operations". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2012-01-23. Encirclement operations are operations where one force loses its freedom of maneuver because an opposing force is able to isolate it by controlling all ground lines of communication and reinforcement.

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