Editing Encirclement (section)

{{short description|Wartime situation in which a force or target is surrounded by enemy forces}}

[[File:Encirclement of Tikrit 2015.jpeg|thumb|Diagram of the encirclement of [[ISIL|ISIS]] forces in the [[Second Battle of Tikrit]] (2015). The blue arrows indicate allied attacks, while the red line is the line of encirclement as of 9 March 2015.]]
[[File:Stalingrad Encirclement.jpg|thumb|Encirclement of Stalingrad]]
[[File:ChousenSyupei.jpg|thumb|350px|An encirclement during the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)]]]]
{{War}}

'''Encirclement''' is a [[military term]] for the situation when a force or target is isolated and surrounded by enemy forces.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gutwald |first1=Rick |title=Tactical Encirclement Reduction |url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA179560.pdf |website=dtic.mil |publisher=School of Advanced Military Studies |access-date=5 May 2025}}</ref> The situation is highly dangerous for the encircled force. At the [[military strategy|strategic]] level, it cannot receive [[Military logistics|supplies]] or reinforcements, and on the [[military tactics|tactical]] level, the units in the force can be subject to an attack from several sides. Lastly, since the force cannot [[withdrawal (military)|retreat]], unless it is [[relief (military)|relieved]] or can break out, it must fight to the death or [[surrender (military)|surrender]]. 

A special kind of encirclement is the [[siege]]. In that case, the encircled forces are enveloped in a [[fortification|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.