diversionary attack
Distracting military maneuver
A diversionary attack is a military maneuver designed to draw enemy attention and resources away from the main assault.
The attacking force feints at one location so the real offensive can succeed elsewhere: The diversionary attack on the northern flank allowed our troops to breach the eastern wall.
The concept extends beyond warfare to any strategic distraction—a diversionary tactic in negotiation, politics, or competition.
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- false flagOperation disguised as enemy's
- distractionThing diverting one's attention
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
flanking · flanking maneuver · ruse · maneuver · bluff · tactical · holding action · skirmish · raid · hit and run · subterfuge · misdirection · stratagem · offensive · shock and awe · pincer · sortie · guerrilla
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