What type of attack aims to disrupt an enemy's planning and assembly?

A spoiling attack is designed specifically to disrupt an enemy's planning and assembly efforts. The primary goal of this type of attack is to preemptively strike at the enemy to hinder their ability to mobilize or coordinate effectively, thus creating confusion and potentially delaying their operations. By targeting enemy forces before they are fully prepared, a spoiling attack can significantly weaken the opponent's combat effectiveness and disrupt their intended strategies.

This tactic is often employed when intelligence suggests that the enemy is on the verge of launching an operation or assembling for an offensive, allowing the attacking force to capitalize on the enemy's vulnerabilities and create chaos in their ranks. This is why recognizing a spoiling attack is crucial in understanding the larger context of military operations and counter-strategy.