Legal Definitions - guerrilla warfare

Guerrilla warfare refers to a type of irregular warfare where small groups of combatants, often civilians or paramilitary forces, use unconventional military tactics to fight a larger, more traditional army. These tactics typically include ambushes, sabotage, raids, and hit-and-run attacks, often operating from within enemy-controlled territory or blending with the civilian population. The goal is usually to harass, disrupt, and wear down the opposing force rather than engaging in direct, large-scale battles.

• Example 1: During a historical occupation, a local resistance movement, significantly outnumbered and outgunned by the occupying military, might focus on blowing up railway lines used for enemy supply, ambushing small enemy patrols in remote areas, and gathering intelligence. They would avoid large-scale battles, instead relying on surprise and their knowledge of the local terrain to inflict damage and then quickly disappear.

  Explanation: This illustrates guerrilla warfare because small, irregular groups (the resistance movement) employ tactics like sabotage and ambushes against a larger, conventional military force (the occupying army). Their actions are designed to harass and disrupt the enemy's operations without engaging in direct, pitched battles.

• Example 2: In a modern conflict, a non-state armed group operating in a densely forested region might repeatedly launch swift, coordinated attacks on military outposts and convoys, using light weaponry. After inflicting casualties or damage, they would rapidly retreat into the forest, making it difficult for the national army to track or engage them in a sustained fight. They might also use improvised explosive devices on roads to further disrupt enemy movements.

  Explanation: This scenario exemplifies guerrilla warfare as it involves a smaller, irregular force (the non-state armed group) using hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and sabotage (IEDs) against a more conventional military. Their strategy relies on mobility, surprise, and avoiding direct confrontation with a superior force, aiming to wear down the enemy's resources and morale.

• Example 3: Consider a fictional scenario where a clandestine group in a large urban environment opposes an authoritarian regime. This group might systematically target the regime's communication infrastructure by disabling cell towers and internet hubs, or carry out small, coordinated attacks on police stations during the night, melting back into the civilian population before reinforcements arrive. They would avoid holding territory or engaging in open street battles.

  Explanation: This demonstrates guerrilla warfare through the actions of a small, clandestine group using unconventional tactics like sabotage and targeted, small-scale attacks against a larger, established force (the authoritarian regime). Their ability to blend with the civilian population and avoid direct, large-scale engagements is a hallmark of this type of warfare.