Use of explosives in ambushes
Explosives can significantly increase the effectiveness of an ambush by shaping the engagement area, restricting movement, and amplifying initial impact. Their placement should support both the ambush plan and the terrain.
Key considerations:
- Safe approach route
- Identify and use a route into the ambush position that avoids friendly explosive hazards
- Ensure all elements can enter and occupy positions safely
- Cover denial
- Identify likely enemy cover (e.g. walls, vehicles, trees)
- Use explosives to reduce or negate protection, limiting the enemy’s ability to react
- Enemy avenue of approach
- Assess likely routes the enemy will take into the ambush area
- Position explosives to engage targets as they enter or pass through the kill zone
- Blocking elements
- Prevent withdrawal or manoeuvre out of the kill zone
- Use terrain, obstacles, or explosives to close exits and fix the enemy in place
- Use of terrain
- Exploit natural features (e.g. chokepoints, narrow routes, ridgelines)
- Funnel the enemy into confined or predictable movement corridors
