Ambush

An ambush is a surprise attack carried out by people lying in wait in a concealed position. (The concealed position itself or the concealed person[s] may also be called an "ambush".) Ambushes as a basic fighting tactic of soldiers or of criminals have been used consistently throughout history, from ancient to modern warfare. In the 20th century, an ambush might involve thousands of soldiers on a large scale (such as at a choke point like a mountain pass), or a small irregular band or insurgent group attacking (for example) a regular armed-force patrol. Theoretically, a single well-armed and concealed soldier could ambush other troops in a surprise attack. In recent centuries an ambush can involve the exclusive or combined use of improvised explosive devices that allow attackers to hit enemy convoys or patrols while minimizing the risk of being exposed to return fire.