What type of attack aims to destroy or deny the enemy key capabilities primarily through military means?

The correct answer to this question is the limited objective attack. This type of attack is specifically designed to target and neutralize an enemy's critical capabilities or infrastructure without necessarily aiming for a broad or total destruction of the adversary’s overall military strength. The intent is to achieve specific strategic objectives that will significantly hinder the enemy’s operations or effectiveness.

Limited objective attacks are targeted and deliberate, focusing on maximizing impact while minimizing unnecessary escalations and collateral damage. This allows for a more calculated approach that aligns with broader military strategy, often involving specific tactical operations such as air strikes on key installations or maneuvers against critical supply lines.

While the other types of attacks listed might involve elements of offense, they do not specifically encapsulate the concept of targeting enemy capabilities in a structured fashion aimed primarily at diminishing the enemy's operational effectiveness. Defense attacks are more about holding positions, surprise attacks focus on unexpectedness rather than capability targeting, and counterattacks are reactive measures that occur in response to an enemy's advance, rather than proactively aiming to incapacitate enemy capabilities.